Putin remains close by as Russia ushers in new leadership

Published on Wednesday 7 May 2008 22:02

DMITRY Medvedev was sworn in as Russian president yesterday and nominated his predecessor Vladimir Putin as prime minister, ushering in an unprecedented period of dual rule.

Mr Medvedev, a 42-year-old former corporate lawyer and long-time Putin ally, stressed freedom and the rule of law in his first remarks after taking the oath of office in a solemn ceremony in the Kremlin's glittering St Andrew's Hall.

"I believe my most important aims will be to protect civil and economic freedoms," he told guests at the inauguration, which was broadcast live.

"We must fight for a true respect of the law and overcome legal nihilism, which seriously hampers modern development."

Shortly afterwards, the government, led by prime minister Viktor Zubkov, followed protocol by resigning. This cleared the way for Mr Medvedev to nominate Mr Putin as prime minister.

The new leader inherits a booming $1.3 trillion economy fuelled by high oil prices – and a sobering set of challenges. They include rampant corruption, rising inflation, a falling population, sickly industry and agriculture and tense relations with former Soviet neighbours and the West.

Before the ceremony, Mr Putin entered the Kremlin alone, and thanked the Russian people for their trust over his two four-year terms.

"It is very important for everyone to continue the course we have started already and which has proved right," he said.