Vladimir Putin sworn in as president for fourth term
MOSCOW - Vladimir Putin was sworn in as Russia's president for a fourth term at a ceremony in the Kremlin yesterday, extending his almost two-decade rule by another six years.
"I consider it my duty and my life's aim to do everything possible for Russia, for its present and for its future," Putin said, with his hand on the Russian constitution.
Putin, in power since 1999, was predictably re-elected in Russia's March presidential election with 76.7 percent of the vote.
"I strongly feel conscious of my colossal responsibility," Putin said at the ceremony before thanking Russians for their "sincere support" and "cohesiveness."
"We have revived pride in our fatherland," Putin said.
"As head of state I will do all I can to multiply the strength and prosperity of Russia."
Earlier, Russian state television showed Putin walking to his new Russian-made presidential limousine that drove him to the lavish ceremony.
Meanwhile, President Putin stuck with his long-serving prime minister in his first act after being sworn in for a new term, signalling that he would keep faith with a policy direction that has brought Russia into conflict with the West.
Soon after the inauguration ceremony, the Kremlin issued a statement saying that Putin had nominated Dmitry Medvedev to be prime minister in his new term. Medvedev, a loyal Putin lieutenant, has held the job since 2012.
The appointment needs to be approved by the lower house of parliament, but that is likely to be a formality because the chamber is dominated by Kremlin loyalists.