Vladimir Putin was sworn in on Monday for a new six-year term, his fourth as Russian President after winning re-election in March. Putin took the oath of office in a gold-leaf bedecked hall at the Kremlin, vowing to pursue an economic agenda.
“Now, we must use all existing possibilities, first of all for resolving internal urgent tasks of development, for economic and technological breakthroughs, for raising competitiveness in those spheres that determine the future,” he said in his speech to thousands of guests standing in the elaborate Andreevsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace and two adjacent halls.
“A new quality of life, well-being, security and people’s health – that’s what’s primary today,” he said.
After being sworn in at the beginning of the ceremony in the ornate Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin said he was aware of his “huge responsibility” and vowed to defend the “invincible integrity of the motherland.”
“The purpose of my life and work has always been serving our people, our motherland,” he said, thanking the Russian people for their “confidence” in him.
