Vladimir Putin will be sworn in as Russia's president today for a fourth term until 2024, having ruled the country for 18 years, either as president or prime minister.
He was re-elected in March with 76,7% of the vote, the highest percentage since he came to power, and now Putin has established himself more than ever as Russia's strongman.
With a big difference from his opponents and with a higher turnout than in the 2012 presidential election, Putin thanked the Russians on the night of his re-election and said that in this great victory he sees "the trust and hope of our people."
The opposition and Russian non-governmental organizations have reported many irregularities in the election process.
Putin's inauguration was preceded by demonstrations against the Russian president, which were held across the country on Saturday at the urging of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny. Security forces tore these mergers, which had the approval of the authorities, often using violence, and proceeded to the arrest of more than 1.500 people, including the Navalni, but who was released shortly afterwards.
During Putin's previous swearing-in ceremony on May 6, 2012, an anti-government demonstrator in Moscow's Bolotnaya Square clashed with police, with many of those arrested later being sentenced to prison terms.
Following his inauguration today at the Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin will remain in the Russian presidency until 2024, when he will be 71 years old.
When asked if he intends to run again after 2024, the Russian president replied: "You will be joking! What to do; Should I stay here until 100? No".
After all, in order for Putin to run again, there must be a constitutional reform, as the Russian Constitution does not allow anyone to run for more than two consecutive terms.
According to experts, the Russian president may take advantage of the next six years to prepare for his succession. But for now he has not given any indication of who he is thinking.