Vladimir Putin Sworn in for a New Six-Year Term as Russian President

Putin's Fifth Presidential Inauguration

On May 7, 2024, Vladimir Putin was sworn in for a new six-year term as the President of Russia during a grand ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace's Andreevsky Hall. The ceremony marked Putin's fifth inauguration, a record for any Russian leader. He took the oath by placing his right hand on the Russian Constitution, pledging allegiance and commitment to the nation.

Vladimir Putin Sworn in for a New Six-Year Term as Russian President

Putin Wins with Overwhelming Majority

In a three-day voting process with no credible opposition candidates, Putin secured 87% of the vote. He has been in power since 1999, either as president or prime minister, following the transition from Boris Yeltsin. As Putin starts his new term, Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, with thousands of troops deployed over two years into the conflict.

Longest-Serving Kremlin Leader Since Stalin

Putin's new term will conclude in 2030, allowing him to run for re-election, as permitted by the Russian constitution. He is now the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Joseph Stalin, a testament to his enduring grip on power.

Challenges and Controversies Surrounding Putin's Leadership

Putin's presidency has faced criticism and controversy. His primary rival, Alexei Navalny, was found dead in a penal colony in February. Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, called Putin a "liar, thief, and murderer" in a video shared on the day of Putin's inauguration, highlighting the ongoing political turmoil and suppression of dissent.

This inauguration occurred just one day after Russia ordered strategic nuclear weapons exercises, following what it perceived as "provocative" statements from Western countries supporting Ukraine. The Kremlin's aggressive stance reflects the heightened tensions between Russia and the West.

Notable Attendees and International Reactions

Among the prominent attendees at Putin's inauguration was American actor Steven Seagal, who became a Russian citizen in 2016 and has publicly supported Russia's actions in Ukraine. His presence underscores the complex international relationships Russia maintains with various figures and nations.

Political Developments in Other Countries

In other parts of the world, political developments continued to shape global events. In Panama, José Raúl Mulino won the presidential election, gaining nearly 35% of the votes, with a comfortable margin over his closest rival. The 64-year-old former security minister's victory was confirmed by the National Assembly, which consists of 71 members. Panama is known for the Panama Canal, a critical maritime route connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The canal was previously controlled by the United States but was transferred to Panama in 1999.

In the Solomon Islands, the election of China-backed Jeremiah Manele as the new prime minister signaled the country's continued shift towards closer ties with China, moving further away from Western influence. Manele's election was confirmed by a vote of 31 to 18 in a 50-seat parliament. This development reflects the broader geopolitical changes in the Pacific region, with China's influence growing and impacting the region's political landscape.