08 May 2004 01:51
Putin calls for a strong civil society
Vladimir Putin yesterday stressed the need for a multi-party political system
and a strong civil society in Russia. The Russian president was speaking in
the Kremlin at the inauguration of his second four-year term.
In ashort but elaborate ceremony that emphasised the importance of
Russia's 10-year-old constitution, Mr Putin said he was "aware of
his personal responsibility" but called on the current generations of
citizens to work for a better life and a place in history.
"Only free people in a free country can be successful," he said,
after swearing to uphold the constitution. "This is the basis of both
Russia's economic growth and its political stability."
Mr Putin was re-elected in March with more than 71 per cent support, despite
criticism from international observers of media bias in the campaign and his
refusal to participate in political debates or stand as the candidate of
United Russia, the party built as his personal instrument.
The president can serve only two consecutive terms, although he could
theoretically run again after a four-year delay. He has repeatedly stressed
that he has no plans to change the constitution, while arguing that a longer
term would be preferable in theory.
He has said he plans to recommend his preferred successor to the electorate,
and there have been suggestions that after 2008 he may become head of the
majority United Russia party, prime minister or head of a new legal entity
encompassing Russia, Belarus and other former Soviet states.
Some 1,700 guests attended the inauguration, although few journalists or
members of defeated opposition parties were present. Boris Yeltsin, the
former president, who anointed Mr Putin but has indicated in private his
disapproval of some of his successor's more authoritarian traits, was
also absent. His spokesman said he was suffering from bronchitis.
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RUSSIA IN FACTS
