First inauguration of Vladimir Putin
Boris Yeltsin resigned as President of Russia on the 31st of December 1999. Vladimir Putin became Acting President immediately after that resignation. He won the presidential election held in March 2000 with more than fifty percent of the votes. This victory secured his position to take office two months later. The transition marked a shift from the chaotic 1990s into a new era for the country.
Originally the ceremony was scheduled to take place at the State Kremlin Palace. Vladimir Putin requested it to be moved to the Grand Kremlin Palace instead. This decision changed the setting for the first time since the Soviet collapse. The event lasted exactly one hour within these historic halls. Masha Gessen noted this choice in her 2012 book about the leader's rise.
Marat Baglai rose on the podium in the St. Andrew Hall. He served as the President of the Constitutional Court of Russia. Yegor Stroyev stood beside him as Chairman of the Federation Council. Gennady Seleznyov represented the State Duma as its Chairman. Alexander Veshnyakov chaired the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation. These four men formed the official body overseeing the transfer of power.
Soldiers of the Kremlin Regiment brought in the flag of Russia and the sign of the president of Russia. They also carried a special copy of the Russian Constitution into the hall. Marat Baglai called on Vladimir Putin to take the oath of the president of Russia. After Vladimir Putin said the text of the oath, the Anthem of Russia sounded. A copy of the standard of the president of Russia was raised over the dome of the Kremlin Senate.
Vladimir Putin left St. Andrew's Hall to the accompaniment of the song Glory by Mikhail Glinka. An artillery salute followed this departure. At the Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin, Boris Yeltsin introduced the Kremlin Regiment to Vladimir Putin. This act passed the authority of the Supreme Commander to the new President. The ceremony ended with both men
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Common questions
When did Vladimir Putin become Acting President after Boris Yeltsin resigned?
Vladimir Putin became Acting President immediately on the 31st of December 1999 following the resignation of Boris Yeltsin. This transition occurred before the presidential election held in March 2000.
Where was the first inauguration ceremony for Vladimir Putin held instead of the State Kremlin Palace?
The first inauguration ceremony for Vladimir Putin took place at the Grand Kremlin Palace rather than the originally planned State Kremlin Palace. The event lasted exactly one hour within these historic halls and marked a change since the Soviet collapse.
Who served as the President of the Constitutional Court of Russia during the inauguration of Vladimir Putin?
Marat Baglai served as the President of the Constitutional Court of Russia and rose on the podium to oversee the transfer of power. He called on Vladimir Putin to take the oath alongside other officials including Yegor Stroyev and Gennady Seleznyov.
What happened when Vladimir Putin left St. Andrew's Hall after taking his oath?
Vladimir Putin left St. Andrew's Hall accompanied by the song Glory composed by Mikhail Glinka followed by an artillery salute. An artillery salute also occurred while Boris Yeltsin introduced the Kremlin Regiment to him at the Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin.