Vladimir Putin was sworn in as president of Russia for the fifth time today. This marks the start of his new six-year term. Putin reached out to Europe, says correspondent Joost Bosman. “Only on Russia’s terms.”
Putin sworn in; ‘he reached out, but on his terms’
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Bosman watched the inauguration and saw a relaxed Putin. The Russian president walked into the main hall of the Kremlin and was received with loud applause. Putin then took the oath. ‘In it he says that he will protect the freedom and right of expression of citizens. Then the national anthem was played and there was stormy applause from the dignitaries,” says the Russia correspondent.
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Protests were seen in Russia at the funeral of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. That was not the case during Putin’s inauguration. Many streets in Moscow are hermetically sealed. This means that no one can get close to the Kremlin. After his inauguration, the president did not drive through the streets of the Russian capital, as they do in Washington, for example. ‘It has been very different with Putin for years. I think he simply fears too much that things may not go well or that disturbances may even arise,” says Bosman.
Russia is open to dialogue with Europe
The French ambassador attended the ceremony in the Kremlin. President Emmanuel Macron previously spoke harshly towards Russia, but still chooses to delegate someone. ‘He is also someone who has constantly said that we must keep the channels of communication with Moscow open. This is an expression of that. It’s a signal. They show that they are tough, but also want to talk.’
‘I think Putin fears too much that things may not go well or that disturbances may even arise’
Putin himself also spoke during his inauguration. The Russian president is willing to engage in dialogue with Europe, but it must be on his terms. According to Putin, Russia should be able to say what it wants and a new world order should be created. “In which not only the West has a say, but every major power has something to say,” says Bosman, who did not hear many new things from Putin. ‘But if you want to interpret it positively, you can say that he at least reached out. Only on Russia’s terms.’
Putin can’t actually go back
The Russian president is now back in his seat until 2030. Putin’s previous terms were waived due to a constitutional amendment four years ago. This allows him to serve two consecutive terms, allowing him to run again in 2030. ‘If he is still healthy and still alive, then I expect he will. He can’t actually go back,” says Bosman, who also says that there is a lot hanging over Putin’s head. For example, he could be extradited to the Criminal Court. Within Russia, if the president were to resign, he could be prosecuted for corruption, theft and abuse of power.
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