New Year Address by Acting President Vladimir
Putin
December 31, 1999
00:01
The Kremlin, Moscow
Vladimir Putin: Dear Friends,
On New Year’s Eve, my family
and I planned to gather round the TV, just as you
probably did, to listen to the address by President Boris
Yeltsin. But things took a different turn.
On December 31, 1999, Russia’s first
president decided to resign. He has asked me to address
the Russian people today.
The powers of the head of state
have been turned over to me today. The presidential election will be
held in three months. I assure you that there will be no vacuum
of power, not for a minute. I promise you that any attempts
to act contrary to the Russian law and constitution will be
cut short.
The state will stand firm to protect
the freedom of speech, the freedom of conscience,
the freedom of the mass media, ownership rights, these
fundamental elements of a civilised society. The Armed Forces,
the Federal Frontier Service, and law-enforcement agencies are
working in the usual regime. The state continues to uphold
the safety of every Russian citizen.
When making his decision to stand down,
the president acted in full compliance with the constitution. We
will be able to see the true importance of what Boris Yeltsin
has done for Russia only after some time has passed. However, it is clear
already now that it was thanks to the President that Russia has opted
for democracy and reform and is moving towards these goals,
and has become a strong and independent state.
I wish health and happiness to Boris
Yeltsin, the first President of Russia.
The New Year has always been the most
cherished, the kindest and the most loved holiday
in Russia. It is a holiday when dreams come true, and this is
especially so this year. I believe that the good dreams we have will
certainly come true.
Dear Friends,
The new year will begin in a few
seconds. Let us smile at our friends and relatives, and wish
each other warmth, happiness and love. Let us drink to Russia
in the new millennium, to love and peace in every
home, to our parents’ and children’s health.
CONTENTS
Appendix: Russia at the Turn of the Millennium 209
Photographs
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