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Medvedev vows to promote freedom, rule of law

FOR A STRONGER RUSSIA: Dmitry Medvedev (right) with the former Russian President, Vladimir Putin, after he was sworn in President at the St. Andrew Hall of the Great Kremlin Palace in central Moscow on Wednesday. Succeeding Mr. Putin two months after sweeping the presidential election, Mr. Medvedev, in a brief speech, promised to combat rampant corruption and enhance civil and economic liberties to transform Russia into one of the most attractive countries. - PHOTO: AP/RIA NOVOSTI

MOSCOW: Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in Russia’s President in an elaborate ceremony at the Kremlin on Wednesday.

Mr. Medvedev (42) took the oath of office in Andreyevsky Hall, the lavishly-decorated Kremlin throne room, after strolling down the red carpet lined by 2,400 guests in the Great Kremlin Palace. In his inaugural address, Mr. Medvedev praised his predecessor Vladimir Putin’s achievements, saying the past eight years had laid “solid foundations for decades-long free and stable development.” He vowed to promote freedom and the rule of law.

“This offers us a unique chance to make Russia one of the world’s best countries; the best for comfortable, confident and secure life of our people,” he said. Within hours of his inauguration, Mr. Medvedev accepted the government’s resignation and nominated Mr. Putin — his long-time friend and mentor— as the new Prime Minister. Parliament is expected to approve the nomination at its session on Thursday.

Promising to give top priority to promoting freedom and democracy and to improving the people’s wellbeing, he said: “I consider it my overriding task to further advance civil and economic freedoms [and] create new opportunities for people to achieve self-fulfilment as free citizens responsible for their success and for the prosperity of the country.”

Mr. Medvedev also pledged to promote innovative technologies, stimulate private investment and modernisation of industry and agriculture, assert the rule of law and enhance security.

He swept the March 2 elections thanks to Mr. Putin’s strong support.

Mr. Putin called for support to the new President and for the continuation of his government’s policies.

“It is extremely important that we continue the course that has been taken and has justified itself, while prioritising the interests of citizens,” he said.

“Over the past eight years we have accomplished a breakthrough that enables us today to map out tasks and plans, not for the next month, but for 20-30 years ahead. We have set ambitious goals and I am absolutely confident that we can achieve them,” said Mr. Putin.

Mr. Putin, 55, will go down in history as Russia’s first leader to have resigned voluntarily at the peak of his power and popularity, and to have transferred power to his successor according to the Constitution.

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