Putin sworn in as Russian President for record 5th term
'Serving Russia is a huge honor, responsibility and sacred duty,' Russian President Putin says in the Kremlin's gilded Saint Andrew's Hall
Russian President Vladimir Putin was electedfor a historic fifth term at an opulent ceremony held at the Kremlin, consolidating his power to unprecedented levels.
The 71-year-old leader, who has dominated Russian politics since the early 2000s, secured another six-year mandate in March amid a presidential election criticized for lacking genuine opposition.
Putin's new term until 2030
In office for nearly a quarter-century and the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, Putin’s new term doesn’t expire until 2030, when he will be constitutionally eligible to run again.
At the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Tuesday, Putin's swearing-in ceremony marked the formal commencement of his new presidential term following his resounding victory in the 2024 elections, where he garnered a staggering 87.28% vote.
At the gilded Grand Kremlin Palace ceremony, Putin placed his hand on the Russian Constitution and vowed to defend it as a crowd of hand-picked dignitaries looked on.
Putin says leading Russia a 'sacred duty'
Russian President said he considers leading Russia a "sacred duty" as he was inaugurated for a fifth Kremlin term, prolonging his more than two-decade rule.
"Serving Russia is a huge honor, responsibility, and sacred duty," Putin said in the Kremlin's gilded Saint Andrew's Hall.
Russia will emerge 'stronger' after 'difficult' period
Vladimir Putin said Russia would pass through the current "difficult" period stronger and emerge victorious.
"We will pass through this difficult period with dignity and become even stronger," Putin said at his inauguration ceremony, adding: "We are a united and great nation, and together, we will overcome all obstacles, realize everything we have planned, and win."
Putin's new government
According to local media, incumbent Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is likely to be appointed again. The West is widely seen as a successful head of government based on the country's growing economy despite the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and subsequent economic sanctions.
Putin will directly appoint the country's foreign, defense, justice, emergency, and interior ministers in consultation with the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament.
Current Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu are said to retain their posts, and changes are also not expected in ministries related to economy and finance.
However, due to public criticism of education, sports, and cultural policies, changes in the relevant ministries could occur, and a Youth Ministry could be created.
According to Russian law, the new government's approval process can take until May 20 at most. However, the list of candidates for the prime minister and council of ministers is anticipated to be presented to the parliament immediately after the inauguration ceremony.
