Putin took the oath of office at a ceremony in the Kremlin, his hand on the same Constitution he had used four years ago. The book, bound in a red, lizard-leather jacket, is kept at the Kremlin library as official presidential insignia.
After the ceremony, the Chair of the Constitutional Court presented Putin with another symbol of presidential power-a chain with double-headed eagles and St. George's crosses, in gold and emeralds.
"I will be working actively, openly and honestly. I will do my best, everything in my power, to meet the expectations of the millions of people," Putin said in his inauguration speech. He also said that the President's obligations-to uphold the state and to faithfully serve the people-would remain sacred to him and would come above all else.
