2024-05-07 21:29:45
“In these solemn and responsible minutes of assuming the office of President, I would like to sincerely thank the citizens of Russia. You have confirmed that the direction in which our country is going is correct. This is of great importance now that we are facing serious challenges . Together we will win!” With these words Vladimir Putin officially took office as President of Russia for the fifth time. He will hold the post until 2030.
Here is the text of his speech, published on the Kremlin website:
“I want to bow to our heroes, the participants of the special military operation, all those who fight for the Fatherland. Once again, I thank you for the trust and support you have given me, and now I am addressing every citizen of Russia.
I just read the presidential oath. Its text concentrates the essence of the highest goal of the head of state – to protect Russia and serve the people.
I understand that this is a great honor and a sacred duty. It was this that determined the meaning of my work in the previous years. I assure you that I will continue to put the interests and security of the people of Russia above all else.
The united will of millions of people is a gigantic force, proof of our common, firm conviction that we alone and alone will determine the fate of Russia for the sake of present and future generations.
I see in this a deep understanding of our common historical goals and a determination to unwaveringly defend our choices, our values, our freedom and our national interests.
I am convinced that we will get through this difficult and important period with dignity, we will become even stronger and we will certainly implement long-term plans and large-scale projects aimed at achieving development. And this is above all the salvation of people. I am convinced that support for age-old family values and traditions will continue to unite social and religious associations, political parties and all levels of government.
Our decisions for the development of the country and the regions must be effective and fair, improve the well-being and quality of life of Russian families.
We have been and will continue to be open to strengthening good relations with all countries that see Russia as a reliable and honest partner. And this is really the majority in the world.
We do not refuse to have a dialogue with the Western countries. The choice is theirs: whether they intend to continue trying to stop Russia’s development, to pursue a policy of aggression and continuous pressure on our country over the years, or to seek a path to cooperation and peace.
I repeat: a conversation, including on issues of security and strategic stability, is possible. But only as equals, respecting each other’s interests.
In a complex and rapidly changing world, we must be self-sufficient and competitive, opening new horizons for Russia, as has happened many times in our history.
But it is important to remember the lessons, not to forget the internal upheavals and cataclysms. That is why our state and socio-political system must be strong and absolutely resistant to any challenges and threats, guaranteeing the progressiveness and stability, unity and independence of the country.
At the same time, stability does not mean stiffness. Our state and public system must be flexible, create conditions for moving forward.
We see how the atmosphere in society has changed, how reliability, mutual responsibility, sincerity, decency, nobility and courage are highly valued today. I will do everything possible for people who have shown their best human and professional qualities, who have proven their loyalty to the Motherland, to occupy leading positions in the state administration, in the economy, in all spheres.
We must raise and educate young generations who will strengthen the power of Russia, develop our statehood, which is based on inter-ethnic harmony, preservation of the traditions of all peoples living in Russia, a state-civilization united by the Russian language and our multinational culture .
I will do everything necessary, everything in my power to justify your trust, to use for this purpose all the powers of the head of state, which are enshrined in the Constitution.
We confidently look ahead, plan our future, identify and already implement new projects and programs aimed at making our development even more dynamic, even more powerful. We are a united and great nation and together we will overcome all obstacles and realize everything we have planned.”