Putin embarks on fifth term: Pledges loyalty to Russia amidst skepticism
7 May 2024 15:27
Vladimir Putin took the oath of office for the fifth time on Tuesday. He has been governing the country since 2000, so he officially became the President of Russia for another term. In his speech, he assured that he would serve the nation and take care of it. The inauguration was attended by, among others, the ambassadors of France, Slovakia, and Hungary.
Vladimir Putin, in the March presidential elections, won 87.28 per cent of the votes. He defeated three other candidates, but the final result was known just before the voting began. The voting did not resemble democratic elections. There were pictures of Putin in many places, and soldiers with rifles peeked behind the curtain to check who people were voting for.
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The swearing-in ceremony took place almost two months after the elections. It was officially boycotted by the United States, most European Union countries, and the United Kingdom. The ceremony guests were ambassadors from Norway, France, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Vladimir Putin has been governing since 2000. He could remain in power until 2036, surpassing Empress Catherine II and becoming the longest-serving Russian ruler. The 71-year-old will end his current term in 2030, but the revised constitution allows him to take another term.
Putin's inauguration. What did he say during the ceremony?
During the solemn ceremony at the Kremlin, Putin assured that the interests and security of Russia would be his main goal for the new term. He promised that he would serve the nation and that he would take care of the country.
Anton Gerashchenko, a Ukrainian politician, called Vladimir Putin a liar on the X service. This refers to the president's words, who had stated, among other things, that "it is necessary to ensure a reliable continuity of Russia's development for the coming decades."
The President added that the country must educate and shape generations that will strengthen Russia. Furthermore, he does not refuse dialogue with Western countries. "The conversation is possible, but not from a position of strength," Putin said.
