MOSCOW – *Vladimir Putin was sworn in for another six years as Russianpresident on Monday, buoyed by popular support.*

This is Putin’s fourth term as head of state. His first two terms eachlasted four years. The head of state’s tenure was extended to six yearsafter the Russian constitution had been amended, according to Russian newsagency TASS.

Putin’s first six-year term began in 2012, while the second term of officewill end on May 7, 2024. According to Article 81 of Russia’s constitution,an individual cannot serve as president for more than two consecutive terms.

Standing in the ornately-decorated Andreyevsky Hall of the Grand KremlinPalace, with his hand on a gold-embossed copy of the constitution, Putinswore to serve the Russian people, to safeguard rights and freedoms, andprotect Russian sovereignty, according to Reuters report.

In a speech after the swearing-in ceremony, to Russian officials andforeign dignitaries, including former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder,Putin said, “Taking up this post, I feel a colossal sense of responsibility.

“The object of my life and my work will be to serve the people and thefatherland,” he said.

His most dangerous opponent, Alexei Navalny, was barred from running and onSaturday Navalny and hundreds of his supporters were detained by policewhile protesting over Putin’s new term under the slogan: “Putin is not ourtsar.”

Putin has been in power in Russia since 1999, either as prime minister orpresident.

He first became prime minster in 1999 before becoming president four monthslater when Boris Yeltsin named him as his favored successor.

Due to term limits he stepped down from the presidency in 2008 butcontinued to serve as prime minister until returning to the presidency in2012.