Swissinfo.ch: Russia's Medvedev takes power - by Michael Stott and Oleg Shchedrov
Dmitry Medvedev after taking the oath of office as the new President of Russia in a solemn, emotional ceremony in the Kremlin's glittering St Andrew's Hall
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Russia's Medvedev takes power - by Michael Stott and Oleg Shchedrov
Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in as Russian president on Wednesday and just over two hours later nominated his predecessor Vladimir Putin as prime minister, ushering in an unprecedented period of dual rule. Medvedev, a 42-year-old former corporate lawyer and longtime Putin ally, stressed freedom and the rule of law in his first remarks after taking the oath of office in a solemn, emotional 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, broadcast live on state television. "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 Medvedev to nominate Putin as prime minister as the carefully choreographed transition unfolded. The new leader, who arrived at the Kremlin alone in an armored black stretch Mercedes limousine flanked by 11 motorcycle outriders, inherits a booming economy fueled by high oil prices -- and a sobering set of challenges. They include rampant corruption, rising inflation, a falling population, sickly industry and agriculture and increasingly tense relations with former Soviet neighbors and the West.
Labels: Dmitry Medvedev, Russia
