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Mayor-elect Sergei Sobyanin took the oath of office and was officially sworn in as the city’s mayor. Valentin Gorbunov, Chairman of the Moscow Election Committee, presented Sergei Sobyanin with the certificate and badge of the Moscow Mayor.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, representatives of different faiths, veteran and public associations, cultural and art workers, Sergei Sobyanin’s election campaign team members, governors of several Russian regions, members of the Moscow City Government, members of parliament and representatives of the business community.

Sergei Sobyanin won 70.17 percent of the votes in the Moscow mayoral election on September 9, which was his second victory in a direct vote. His mayoral term is five years.

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Speech at the inauguration ceremony for Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends, Mr Sobyanin,

Congratulations on your inauguration as the Mayor of Moscow. Moscow residents showed you their support, their trust and highly assessed your ability to work with great dedication, to fulfil promises and keep your word.

Five years ago, you presented a large-scale programme for Moscow’s development. The bar was set very high and you proved that you could solve even the most complicated tasks and bring about positive change.

The city’s appearance and atmosphere have been transformed. There are now new opportunities for Muscovites’ leisure, sports and convenient facilities for the most popular services.

The Moscow Metro is growing at an unprecedented rate. Many if not most Moscow schools provide quality education.

Moscow with its fast pace of life has become, without doubt, more hospitable and comfortable. All this is important for both the locals and visitors.

There have been many achievements but, as you have just said, there is even more to achieve.

Russia must make a breakthrough in the economy, technology and social sphere. The main goal of these transformations is to improve the quality of life for our citizens. These changes will take place in all regions. Of course, the capital’s contribution to resolving national tasks will always be very high.

Historically and objectively, Moscow is a special city. It has amassed an enormous potential in science, education and business, which allows it to successfully compete with the world’s leading cities.

Moscow must strengthen its positions in education and improve healthcare in accordance with international standards, so that it works in the interests of all Russians.

Another major task you have set is the resettlement programme, which will provide a million Muscovites with new housing and, at the same time, will help create the standards for improving living conditions for those who live in five-storey buildings in other regions.

Of course, this is a large, important and very sensitive project for many people. This is why you must always, and first and foremost proceed from the interests of the people.

You must ensure an effective implementation of large transport projects together with the Ministry of Transport, Russian Railways and the Moscow Region Government. I am referring to the Moscow Metro, the central diameters, the Central Ring Road and the rebuilding of the outbound routes.

I am speaking about a significant improvement in the infrastructure and logistics in the Moscow agglomeration, and also in the entire centre of Russia. Of course, the Russian Government must support these crucial projects.

In addition, I ask you to continue to focus on social support for Muscovites of various ages.

Mr Sobyanin,

We have been working together for many years. In all areas you have shown your best qualities: reliability, persistence and openness to everything new. I am sure that you will continue to work as effectively as before for the prosperity of Moscow and all of Russia and its people.

I wish success to you and your team.

Thank you very much.