After taking the oath, and the end of the anthem, Dmitry Medvedev delivered his first speech as President of Russia. [4]
Dear citizens of Russia, dear friends!
I have just sworn the presidential oath, it is given to the Russian people, and in its very first lines - the obligation to respect and protect human rights and freedoms. They found the highest value in our society, and they determine the meaning and content of all state activity.
In this regard, I consider my most important task of further development of civil and economic freedoms, the creation of new, most opportunities for self-realization of citizens - citizens, free and responsible, both for his personal success and the prosperity of the whole country.
Such people create high dignity of the nation and are the source of power of the state - the state that has today the necessary resources, and a clear understanding of their national interests.
I would like to assure all citizens of the country today, that I will work as hard power as the President and as a person, for whom Russian - is the native house, native land.
Over the past eight years, a strong foundation for long-term development was created just for decades of free and stable development. And this unique opportunity we have to make the most of Russia to become one of the best countries in the world, the best - for a comfortable, confident and secure life of our people: in this - our strategy, and this - a landmark for years to come.
I am fully aware of how much remains to be done - to make the state to be really fair and caring towards the citizens in order to ensure the highest standards of living to as many people as possible can classify themselves as middle class, you can get a good education and quality services in the field of public health.
We are committed to innovation in all spheres of life, to build the most advanced production, modernize industry and agriculture, create powerful incentives for private investment, and generally seek to ensure that Russia has firmly established itself among the leading technological and intellectual development.
Particular attention on the fundamental role of law, which is based on our state and our civil society. We must achieve a true respect for the law and overcome legal nihilism, which seriously hinders modern development.
Mature and effective legal system - is an important condition for the development of economy and social sphere, support for entrepreneurship and the fight against corruption. But not to a lesser extent, they serve to strengthen Russia's role in the world community, contribute to its openness to the world and facilitating dialogue as equals with other peoples.
And, finally, a genuine rule of law is possible only if a safe life. And I'll do anything to security of citizens was not only guaranteed by law but is genuinely guaranteed by the state.
Said task I require daily interaction with all responsible political forces and civil society institutions, with the parties, with the Russian regions.
I hope that the peace and harmony in our common home will continue to strengthen the cooperation of different religions, social groups and national cultures: from this right depends on the present and the future of our country.
Dear friends! Do you realize how deep the feelings I am experiencing. I am well aware of what the burden of responsibility falls on my shoulders, and look forward to our work together.
I sincerely thank President Vladimir Putin for his ongoing personal support I have always felt. I am sure that this will continue.
The life and the course of history present us with fundamentally new, even more complex tasks. But convinced that achieving them is absolutely on the forces of our country, its hardworking and talented people.
And now my duty - to serve him every day and every hour, to make a better life for all our people, their success and confidence in the future, for the sake of further rise and prosperity of our beloved homeland - our great Russia.
