Putin emphasizes Russia’s domestic challenges as he launches another, and perhaps final, term
2018-05-07 22:31:57 source：The Washington Post
May 7, 2018
MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin, already the longest serving leader of Russia since Stalin, launched into a fourth presidential term on Monday promising to focus on improving Russians’ lives at home but without backing down in his confrontation with the West.
Putin, in a brief inaugural address to thousands of invited guests at the Kremlin, emphasized the work he has to do at home, nodding to the long-term challenges Russia faces with a stagnant economy and a declining birth rate. He said Russia needed to expand freedoms for entrepreneurs and scientists, to invest in regional development, and to raise the quality of education and health care. A particular focus on “traditional family values,” he said, would ensure as many births as possible.
“Russia is a strong, active, and influential participant in international life,” Putin said. “But now we must use all the means we at our disposal to, first, resolve domestic, most vital challenges of development.”
Read more: