The inauguration of a president, a monarch, or another top government official is an important political moment. Usually, some time after the election of the head of state, a formal procedure for his inauguration takes place. This event is called the inauguration.
Inauguration: what is it?
The name of the solemn ceremony of the inauguration procedure comes from the term inauguro, which in Latin means “dedication, blessing”. The roots of the word go even deeper. Its original meaning, indicated in dictionaries, was associated with success, growth, prosperity. There is no exact synonym for the term in Russian.
In different states, the procedure for induction into office is framed differently. But there is one common point: a person, taking on new responsibilities, takes an oath, promises to honestly and faithfully serve his country, to give all his strength for the people's good. At the moment of pronouncing these words, the head of state holds his hand on a book that is important for the country. It could be the Bible or the Constitution. During the ceremony in 1991, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, while pronouncing the words of the oath, kept his right hand on his heart. Now the President is putting his hand on the Constitution.
The swearing-in ritual is borrowed from the coronation ceremony of the supreme rulers of Europe. This procedure has become widespread, in particular, in the United States and in present-day Russia.
Inauguration of the President of the United States
The inauguration ceremony takes place in front of the public outside the Capitol, located in Washington DC. The ceremony attracts many spectators. The President delivers a keynote speech to the public. On this occasion, a solemn parade and a festive ball are held. Now the inauguration of the President of the United States is being arranged on January 20. If the vice president is sworn in (in the event of an early termination of the predecessor's powers), then the ceremony with the participation of the public is not held.
Inauguration of the President of Russia
Initially, the date of the inauguration in Russia was the 30th day since the announcement of the results of the presidential elections in the country. In 2003, a norm was introduced into the legislation according to which the new head of state assumes a high position on the very day when the term of office of the previous president of Russia ends. The ceremony is now being held on May 7th.
In 1991 and 1996, B. N. Yeltsin. In 2000, 2004, 2012 and 2018 V. V. Putin. In 2008, the ceremony was held with the participation of D. A. Medvedev.
There are no rigid regulations for the inauguration procedure in Russia. The Constitution only says that, upon assuming office, the President, in the presence of members of the Constitutional Court and high officials of the state, takes an oath to the people.
The first two inaugurations took place at the Kremlin Palace of Congresses. Since 2000, the swearing-in ceremony has been held in the Alexandrovsky, Andreevsky and Georgievsky halls of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
Before the immediate beginning of the inauguration, the state flag of Russia, signs of state power, as well as the Constitution of the country are brought into the Andreevsky Hall, which are placed on the rostrum. The head of the Constitutional Court and the heads of the two chambers of parliament rise to the podium.
The newly elected president arrives at the ceremony through the Spassky Gate. To the sound of fanfare and loud chimes, the head of state ascends to the podium in the Andreevsky Hall. The head of the Constitutional Court asks the President to pronounce the text of the oath.
On the right side of the president is the country's Constitution. On the left is the President's Sign. The head of state pronounces the text of the oath, which is in the Constitution, while standing on the podium. There are 33 words in the oath. The President vows to respect the rights and freedoms of citizens, to abide by the fundamental law of the country, to protect the independence and sovereignty of the state.
The inauguration is broadcast on state television channels. The total time for the ceremony is about an hour.
When the text of the oath is pronounced, the president is considered to have taken office. He receives from the head of the Constitutional Court a symbol of power - the sign "For Services to the Fatherland."
After a politician finally takes office, a special presidential standard is raised over his residence. There is a silver brace on the shaft, where the name of the president and the dates of his holding the highest government office are engraved.
The ceremony ends with a speech by the new president with a volley of three dozen guns fired from the Kremlin embankment. After that, the head of state appears on Cathedral Square, where he receives a solemn parade, in which the Presidential Regiment participates.
