Russia Inauguration: President Vladimir Putin sworn in for another 6 years in office

World
Europe

02:36

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been sworn in for another six-years. He's held power for 18 years, as either president or prime minister. At his inauguration, he pledged to modernize Russia. CGTN's Julia Lyubova is in Moscow with more on Putin's promises for a new term.

A lavish ceremony attended by some 5,000 guests at the Kremlin. Seeing Vladimir Putin sworn in as the President of Russia for his 4th term. Putin is promising to serve the Russian people, to safeguard rights and freedoms and to protect Russia's sovereignty.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "I see it as my duty and a purpose of my entire life to do everything for Russia, for its present and the future, the peaceful and prosperous one, for caring and continuation of our great nation, for well-being in every Russian family."

The inauguration comes after Putin's victory in the Presidential election held in March where he won more than 70% of the votes. He'll be in power now for the next 6 years.

JULIA LYUBOVA MOSCOW "Shortly after his inauguration, Vladimir Putin put forward the incumbent Dmitry Medvedev for the post of Prime Minister. Medvedev's candidacy has to be approved by the State Duma, the lower house of Russian parliament but it looks like that partnership at the highest level is set to continue."

The inauguration was preceded by opposition leader Alexei Navalny being arrested during a protest against president Putin who they accuse of corruption. But Vladimir Putin still enjoys strong support in Russia.

VLADIMIR SOTNIKOV POLITICAL ANALYST "Most of Russians regard this day as symbolic because they want to see their country great, to see Russia great. We want to see Russia great, and prospering, with the boost in the economy and friendly with nations which are around Russia."

Putin's 4th term comes amid a confrontation with the West over Russia's alleged interference in the US presidential election, the poisoning of a former Russian spy in the UK and Russia's support of Syria's Bashar al-Assad. Putin and the government will have a big task ahead to tackle economic uncertainties over low oil prices and Western sanctions. JL, CGTN, Moscow.