Vladimir Putin inaugurated as President of Russia
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The inauguration ceremony took place in the Grand Kremlin Palace.
The ceremony opened with the Russian State Flag, Presidential Standard, Russian Constitution, and the Symbol of Presidential Office were brought into the Grand Kremlin Palace's St Andrew Hall.
The President-elect swore an oath of loyalty to the Russian people and was officially declared head of state by President of the Constitutional Court Valery Zorkin.
Approximately 3,000 people were invited to attend the ceremony, including members of the Russian Federation Government, State Duma deputies and members of the Federation Council, Constitutional Court judges, and representatives of other federal bodies of state power.
Members of Vladimir Putin's presidential election campaign team and campaign headquarters, other candidates in the 2012 presidential election, heads of diplomatic missions, members of the clergy, academic and cultural figures, art workers and public figures also attended the event.
The Presidential Regiment then marked Mr Putin's inauguration with a parade on the Kremlin's Cathedral Square. The regiment celebrates the 76th anniversary of its founding today.
The inauguration of a new president always marks a new stage in our country's life and history. The President is the head of state, guarantor of the Constitution, of human rights and civil liberties, and he sets the main lines of our foreign and domestic policy.
Continuity in the country's policy is essential for Russia to keep moving forward. It is vital that we continue the major transformations we have pursued over these last years in economic, social and political life. Only if we do this can we build a strong democratic country in which law and social justice rule, a country that guarantees its citizens' security and gives its people every opportunity for self-realisation and for business, civil, and creative initiative.
I made these goals my priorities during my time as President. I worked as I promised in taking the oath of office: honestly and openly, in the interests of the people, doing everything I could to give them freedom and confidence in the future.
We achieved a lot, even during the difficult time of global crisis. We fulfilled all of our social obligations and went even further by engaging in economic modernisation. Of course, we did not succeed in doing everything we hoped, and did not manage to complete everything we planned, but this work will continue, and of this I am certain.
We faced serious tests together. Russia's security has been tested in the past, and we too had to prove its strength and resist aggression. We continued the fight against terrorism, which continues to threaten our country.
I think that one of our biggest and clearest achievements has been to get our people more broadly involved in political life. It is absolutely vital that the authorities become more open for dialogue and cooperation. The authorities cannot work effectively without feedback from the public, and without taking into account the initiatives that come from within society. I made these my guiding principles in my work. We all share the same aspirations after all, those of the common good, freedom and progress. We all share the same love for our children and for our homeland, for Russia.
As I end my term in office, I want to thank everyone who supported me over these years. I thank you for the immense trust you placed in me, for your help and support, and for being together with me over this time.
I want to thank all of Russia's people. Thank you all! We still have much work before us.
To head our country and work for our people is a huge responsibility and a great honour. I am pleased that Vladimir Putin is taking this office today. He is an experienced and strong leader who has the support of the majority of our people.
I wish him success in his office and in his work for our country and people!
PRESIDENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT VALERY ZORKIN: In accordance with Article 82.1 of the Russian Federation Constitution, to take presidential office the President-elect swears an oath set by the Constitution.
Mr Putin, I ask you to swear the oath.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: I swear that in exercising the powers of the President of the Russian Federation, I shall respect and protect human and civil rights and freedoms, observe and protect the Constitution of the Russian Federation, protect the sovereignty and independence, security and integrity of the State, and faithfully serve the people. .
