On May 7, 2024, Vladimir Putin was officially inaugurated for his fifth term as Russian president in a ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace, and outlined a plan for Russia’s national objectives until 2030.
The ceremony
Following his victory at the Russian presidential election last March 15-17, where he secured 87.28% of the vote, today’s ceremony confirms Putin as the Russian head of state for six more years, until May 2030.
The event was attended by key officials, including Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, and Chechnya Governor Ramzan Kadyrov.
While diplomats from most EU countries refused to attend the ceremony, French ambassador Pierre Lévy was reportedly present.
In his oath of office, Putin pledged to uphold “human and civil rights and liberties.” He thanked Russian citizens and praised participants of the “special military operation.” He emphasized the responsibilities of the presidency, acknowledged the challenges facing Russia, and expressed confidence in overcoming them through national unity, highlighting the importance of traditional family values.
Putin affirmed Russia’s willingness to engage in international cooperation, including dialogue with the West, as long as it takes place on an equal footing.
Putin’s plan for his term
In addition, Putin signed a decree detailing Russia’s national development goals up to 2030, and projecting until 2036. The objectives include:
- elevate Russia’s GDP above the global average and secure the country’s place as the fourth economy in the world
- digital and research leadership of Russia, including the automation of most of the processes in government, education and healthcare with AI, as well as including the country in the top 25 countries for robot density
- the promotion of patriotism and traditional values, with at least 70% of cultural projects financed by the state
- increasing the overall quality of life in Russia, including decent accommodations and the minimum salary
- increase the number of foreign students in Russia to 500,000
- limiting importation of goods and services to 17% of the country’s GDP
- increase the agricultural production by 25%
- increase the tourist industry’s place in the GDP to 5%, with a focus on ecotourism
Russia’s Strategic Vision
The objectives outlined in Putin’s plan for his term maintain continuity with his previous policies, particularly in instilling traditional and patriotic values. Similarly, Russia’s push for economic development and self-reliance aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to withstand economic sanctions resulting from the War in Donbas, necessitating a self-sufficient approach.
The plan to make Russia attractive to foreigners, particularly qualified ones, alongside the intent to establish Russia as a major player in new technologies and its promotion of conservative values, reflects an ambition to position Russia as a new global pole, in an effort to provide an alternative to the West-dominated research and development sector,
similar to Xi Jinping’s “Chinese Dream”, which aims to transform China’s manufacturing into an advanced, innovative industry.
