Putin takes presidential oath for the fifth time

NOS News•today, 11:50•Amended today, 12:22

Vladimir Putin has been sworn in again as President of Russia at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow. By taking the oath to the constitution, he has started his fifth term in office, which will last until 2030.

Putin won the tightly controlled, unfree presidential elections in March with a record percentage of more than 87 percent of the votes. That figure is impossible to independently verify; no independent observers were present. Previous elections in Russia have always involved large-scale fraud. Western leaders spoke after unfair and simulated elections.

Traditionally, thousands of guests were present at the swearing-in ceremony, including members of parliament, ministers and religious leaders. The inauguration was accompanied by much ceremony. Most EU ambassadors (and the British) were demonstratively absent.

There was marching music and cannon shots sounded:

March music, cannon shots and speech: Putin sworn in again

In a speech after the swearing-in ceremony, Putin spoke about Russia’s relationship with the West, which has been at a low point since the invasion of Ukraine. “We do not rule out dialogue with the West, but they have to make a choice,” Putin said. “Discussions about strategic stability are possible, but only on the basis of equality.”

He further stated that the Russian state must defend itself against threats and challenges. “We are a great united people. We will overcome all adversities.”

Putin’s new term also automatically means the dismissal of the Russian cabinet. Parliament will vote this and next week on who will lead the government. Since 2020, this has been Prime Minister Mishustin, who resigned immediately after Putin was sworn in.

It is not yet certain whether Putin will nominate him again as leader of a new government. He may seize the opportunity to make some personnel changes in a new cabinet.