Dmitry Medvedev inaugurated as Russia’s new president, Vladimir Putin new prime minister
08 May 2008
In his final speech as president, Putin praised the countries progress in the eight years since he took office, and called upon Russia to support Medvedev. Medvedev then took place becide Putin and swore his oath to office with his hand on the Russian Constitution: “I swear that in exercising the powers of the president of the Russian Federation I shall respect and protect human and civil rights and freedoms, observe and protect the constitution of the Russian Federation, protect the sovereignty and independence, security, and integrity of the state, and faithfully serve the people.” Medvedev further pledged that “I consider my most important task to be the further development of civil and economic freedoms, [and] the creation of the broadest new opportunities for the self-realization of citizens.” Putin will remain a major influence in Russian politics. The former president was recently appointed leader of the ruling Unified Russia party, and is set to be confirmed as Russia’s new prime minister by the State Duma on 8 May. Putin’s announcement of his intention to become prime minister under Medvedev, and Medvedev’s subsequent approval of Putin’s bid to become premier, was important during the campaign for the presidential elections, as Putin still enjoys great popularity in Russia and many people were in favour of him remaining an active influence on the politics of the country.
