PUTIN SWORN IN FOR ANOTHER TERM
VLADIMIR Putin was sworn in as Russia’s president for a fourth term yesterday, extending his almost two-decade rule by another six years at a time of high tension with his Western rivals.
The 65-year-old, in power since 1999, is on course to become the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin.
Putin won nearly 77 per cent of the vote in the March election in which his most vocal opponent, Alexei Navalny, was banned from running.
He has promised to focus on revitalising the economy.
“I consider it my duty and my life’s aim to do everything possible for Russia,” Putin said at the swearing-in ceremony.
Several thousand guests lined the red carpet in Moscow and filmed Putin on their smartphones as he arrived for the ceremony.