Vladimir Putin was sworn in as president for the fifth time – highlights of his speech

Edited by: Gianna Merat

Today, Vladimir Putin was sworn in for a fifth term as President of Russia, a position he has held for a quarter of a century.

In the gilded Andreevsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, where Russia’s tsars were once crowned, Vladimir Putin took the oath of office on Tuesday, May 7, swearing an oath of loyalty to the Russian Constitution for his fifth term as president. It was the traditional pomp and ceremony worthy of Russia’s undisputed supreme leader for a quarter of a century.

Putin, 71, who is optimistic about his ongoing war against Ukraine, said he would put Russia’s security above everything else, and promised that his country would prevail.

“We are a great nation,” Putin said in his inauguration speech. “Together we will overcome all obstacles. We will achieve everything we planned. Together we will win.”

According to the Russian news agency TASS, during his speech at the swearing-in ceremony, Vladimir Putin said that Russia has become a superpower thanks to the selflessness and patriotism of the people, in the conditions of rapid changes that the world is witnessing, and is ready for independent and strong development for the benefit of future generations.
He stressed that the country’s top priorities are to ensure sustainable population growth, preserve the country’s cultural traditions, and continue development in cooperation with most countries of the world.

Regarding the election results, Russian citizens in the recent elections “confirmed the correctness of the country’s path,” which is “of great importance now, when we face serious tests.”

“I will do whatever it takes, everything in my power, to live up to your trust. I will use all the powers of the head of state stipulated in the Constitution to this extent,” Putin added.

He went on to say: “The results of this work will depend, to a decisive extent, on our unity and solidarity, on the common ambition to benefit the motherland, protect it, and work to its full potential.”

“I want to sincerely thank Russian citizens in all regions of our country, the residents of our historical lands, who defended the right to be with the Motherland.”

Regarding the country’s priorities, the Russian President said that in the midst of rapid changes in the world, “Russia must be self-sufficient and competitive, and open new horizons” as has already happened many times in our history.

The basis of the Russian state is “interethnic harmony, preservation of the traditions of all peoples living in Russia, and the culture of the country united by the Russian language.”

Russia’s top priorities will be for the country to have a thriving population and preserve its centuries-old values ​​and traditions, and supporting this path “will continue to unite public and religious associations and political parties at all levels of government.”

“The united will of millions of people is a powerful force and evidence of our shared firm belief that we alone will determine Russia’s future for current and future generations,” Putin said.

For the country and its best people, Russia looks forward with confidence and “is already implementing new projects and programs designed to make our development more dynamic and stronger.”

With all its stability, the Russian state system must create favorable conditions for renewal and development: “Stability does not mean inactivity.”

The atmosphere in society has changed, and now “reliability, mutual responsibility, honesty, decency, nobility and courage” are highly valued.

On the occasion of his new service, he promised, “I will do my best so that people who have shown their best human and professional qualities prove their loyalty to the motherland and assume leadership positions in public administration, the economy and in all fields.”

He said that modern Russians bear a responsibility to “our millennia-long history and our ancestors,” stressing that previous generations of Russians reached seemingly unattainable heights because they always put their motherland first: “They built a global power and achieved victories that inspire us.” today”.

The Russian leadership must ensure the country’s continued development as a culture for decades to come, and raise a younger generation “who will strengthen Russia’s power and develop our state.”

One must remember the price of internal turmoil and turmoil, so the political system in Russia must be sustainable and “fully resistant to any threats and challenges, and must ensure its gradual and stable development, unity and independence of the country.”

Regarding foreign policy, the President stressed that Russia is ready to promote good relations with “all countries that consider Russia a reliable and honest partner: “and this is truly the global majority.”

Moscow is ready to enter into a fair dialogue on security and strategic stability, but “this should not be done from a position of strength, but rather away from arrogance, arrogance and a sense of exclusion – the parties to the dialogue must be equal and respected.” each other’s interests.”

He said that Russia is not abandoning dialogue with the West: “The choice is theirs,” and asked the following question: “Do they intend to continue trying to limit Russia’s development, continue the aggressive policy, and put pressure on our country that has not been implemented?” Have they stalled for years, or will they look for a path to cooperation and peace?

Putin concluded by saying that Russia, in cooperation with its partners in the Eurasian integration process and other dominant development centers, will continue to work towards the creation of a multipolar world order and a system of equal and indivisible security.