President Putin: "Russia and the Russian people are still strong like a phoenix"

Russian President Vladimir Putin was sworn in on the afternoon of May 7. Photo: TASS

Nghe An Newspaper introduces the full text of Mr. Putin's speech:

Dear citizens of Russia, distinguished delegates, friends who are watching and listening to the live broadcast of the inauguration, and all those present in the auditorium today!

At this moment, as I take the oath of office as President of Russia, I realize the great responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders, a responsibility to the people, a responsibility to the great Russia. The thousands of years of history of our ancestors, their merits, courage and hard work, as well as their patriotism have become an example for us, so that each of us can understand how to love our country. I believe that my duty to Russia is to do my utmost to bring peace and prosperity to its present and future.

As President of Russia, I assure you that the goal of my life and of everything I do is to serve the people, to protect the Motherland, to serve the happiness of every Russian citizen and family. For me, this is the most important priority.

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you for your solidarity, for working together to solve all problems for the better. Once again, I would like to thank you for your sincere support in choosing me as the President of Russia. I consider this a great source of spiritual encouragement on the political path, as well as reliable support, with the belief and hope that Russia will rise up, develop all its strength, and the people will have a better life. This is very important not only to protect our position in the international arena, but also to help us act decisively for the benefit, for positive changes right in our country.

President Vladimir Putin at his inauguration ceremony on May 7. Photo: AP

Russia needs to become more modern and dynamic, to face the new challenges of our time with vigour. We should develop areas where we have always been strong, as well as areas where we have not done enough. We have too many decisions to make.

The road ahead will not be easy. It will always be a difficult task for each of us. There is only one thing that history has never allowed: indifference and contradiction, laziness and complacency, especially in today's context - when we are in an era of changes taking place all over the world.

The tasks we have set ourselves are not exaggerated, but rather urgent, because they will determine the future of Russia for decades to come. We have a huge amount of work ahead of us, which requires the participation of the entire society, the active contribution of every individual, political organization, and people who sincerely care about Russia.

We need to achieve new breakthroughs in all fields. I believe that such breakthroughs can only be achieved when we are a free society, where people feel satisfied and have access to new and advanced things. At the same time, we need to eliminate injustice, stagnation, conservatism and bureaucracy – these are the things that are holding people back from expressing their abilities and realizing their potential, and will also limit the future aspirations of our entire country.

Kremlin Palace. Photo: Internet

Dear friends! This year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Russian Constitution - a document that enshrines the rights and freedoms of citizens. It is the harmonious unity of a free citizen, a responsible society, and a strong, democratic, competent state that is the solid foundation for Russia's development.

We have faced the most difficult problems in economic and social development. We realized that, along with the changes in the world, we must still preserve our roots and history. We all understood that the beauty and strength of Russia lies in unity and solidarity. We learned to defend our own interests, to revive our national pride. Experience shows that, even today, we must preserve and protect those good traditional values. And, of course, continue to move forward.

Of course, we need to keep up with global changes, build a plan for breakthrough development, so that no obstacles or influences can interfere with our future and ambitions. Besides, we are also open to dialogue. Together with our partners, we will actively promote integration projects, build economic, cultural, social, and scientific development relationships. We support equal and mutually beneficial development cooperation with all countries for the benefit of peace and stability around the world.

Russia will play the role of a strong, dynamic, influential country in the world, in which security and defense are always guaranteed and reliable.

Our current task is to make full use of all our capabilities, first of all to solve urgent domestic tasks, create economic and technological breakthroughs, and increase competitiveness in strategic fields.

A new quality of life, happiness, security, health of our people – these are our most important tasks in the coming period. Our goal is “Russia for Russians”, a country that opens up opportunities for self-development for everyone. I am deeply convinced that there is a direct connection between the great tasks of the country and the everyday needs of our people.

We need to build trust in society. Every Russian citizen must realize that he or she is contributing to the development of the country. The transformation of the country depends on each person. The more people, representatives of various professions, of any social status, realize their important role in improving the country, the more effective our progress will be.

To achieve positive results, governments at all levels also need to have special responsibilities. The only wish of the people is that all problems are solved neatly, without delay. Therefore, criteria such as reputation, honor, public service, and openness will be the standards for evaluating governments at all levels in the new era.

We must expand the free space for entrepreneurs, scientists, and people who are passionate about innovation, so that they can contribute to innovation. I think this should become a strategy for Russia’s sustainable development. Let’s look at, take advantage of the “boldness” and approach the new ideas of young people, about their ability to become future leaders. In fact, young people are very loyal to the values ​​​​left by the previous generation, but their knowledge, intelligence, and perseverance will certainly be of great help to the country.

By combining the efforts of all people who care about the country, its future, we will achieve all our goals, make breakthroughs in science and technology, together we will implement large-scale plans for the renewal of cities, villages, for the development of all regions of Russia.

We will actively pursue modern social policies so that every Russian citizen and family can improve the quality of education and health. In particular, we need to pay attention to and support mothers and children so that the future generation of Russia will be healthy, talented and intelligent. Our children will continue to uphold traditional values ​​and achieve more than previous generations.

Dear friends!

As head of state, I will try to do everything to double the power, protect the glory, and bring Russia to prosperity, ensuring all the social needs of its citizens.

We know that in the 1990s and early 2000s, our country fell into severe difficulties and crises. A large part of the damage has been recovered, but not all historical wounds have been healed. Those difficulties continue to pose new challenges to us, and we need to work hard to thoroughly resolve them. We have no time to rest!

But we must all remember that, over more than 1,000 years of history, our country has gone through many difficulties and events. But after all, Russia and the Russian people are still strong like a phoenix, reviving and taking off to new heights.

I am convinced that Russia can achieve a breakthrough when the whole country becomes a large collective, capable of solving any task. Let love for the Motherland, all the best in humanity, inspire each of us to constantly seek, learn, create, and contribute to innovation and the building of our homeland.

We will definitely succeed! I am sure of it! For the country, I will do everything within my reach!

Thank you very much!