MOSCOW — Vladimir Putin took the oath of office for his fourth term as Russian president on Monday and promised to pursue an economic agenda that would boost living standards across the country. In a ceremony in an ornate Kremlin hall, Putin said improving Russia’s economy following a recession partly linked to international sanctions would be a primary goal of his next six-year term. Although Putin has restored Russia’s prominence on the world stage through military actions, he has been criticized for inadequate efforts to diversify Russia’s economy away from its dependence on oil and gas exports and to develop the manufacturing sector. Putin held onto the presidency in March’s election when he tallied 77 percent of the vote. Putin has effectively been the leader of Russia for all of the 21st century.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 07, 2018 11:03 UTC