Vladimir Putin

Written by Svetlana Kalmykova

On May 7th Vladimir Putin was sworn in as president of the Russian Federation in a spectacular Kremlin ceremony which was attended by more than 3,000 guests. Most of those gathered underscored that they expected the newly elected president to secure solutions to new problems facing Russia. In his speech, President Putin said that he would do whatever he can to measure up to the expectation of millions of people. 

The inauguration ceremony followed a clear-cut schedule. Given that Putin had been through it before, nothing could go wrong.

Over 3,000 guests, among them politicians, public leaders, actors and musicians who gathered at the Kremlin Palace’s St.Andrew’s Hall, held their breath as they brought in the Standard and other insignia of the presidential power in Russia. Putin’s appearance on the red carpet was hailed with long applause.

Putin’s inaugural address set the tone for his entire six-year term.

President Putin delivered a highly emotional, measured speech in which he demonstrated his sincere interest in addressing development challenges facing Russia, President of the National Strategy Institute Mikhail Remizov said.

"Our newly elected “old” president gave comprehensive assessments of the current situation in Russia. He called for unification, undoubtedly, in an attempt to portray himself as “the president of all the people”. For a president-elect, it’s important to emerge from the standoff of the election campaign as a consolidating figure. Nationwide consolidation will surely top Putin’s agenda as he starts his third term as president."

Sergei Markov, a member of the Public Chamber, is sure that Putin will pursue his new policies in the old manner, which means with energy and resoluteness.

"Putin’s agenda remains the same: Russia should become a strong nation, fill a particular slot on the international scene and guarantee prosperity for its citizens. It should follow a peaceful agenda and pursue an effective foreign policy. People’s living standards are central on Putin’s agenda. As prime minister, Putin succeeded in lessening the effects of the global crisis. As a result, Russia has reached the economic parameters of the years before the crisis of the 90s and is ready for further growth."

As for new challenges, Putin will have to secure the modernization of the Russian economy, which will be unthinkable without the support of the people. Olga Kryshtanovskaya of the Institute of Social Studies, comments.

"Despite fierce protests from the opposition, most Russian people support the policy of reforms initiated by Putin and Medvedev. Naturally, these reforms will take a lot of time and effort but Putin is determined to see them through."

President Putin has proposed Dmitry Medvedev for prime minister and submitted the corresponding proposal to the Duma. The lawmakers will consider it during an extraordinary session on May 8th . According to observers, Medvedev’s candidacy will easily sail through parliament.

Svetlana Kalmykova is the author and presenter at the Voice of Russia, Russia's first internationally broadcasted Radio. On air since 1929. 

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