President Putin is sworn in for another six years in office. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

President Putin asked his government to approve major orientations and estimate socio-economic development until 2024 by September 1. Within the next 6 years, Russia should join the world’s five largest economies and maintain an economic growth rate above the world’s average, according to the decree. The document stressed the responsibility of the Russian government for improving the lives of Russian citizens by increasing salaries and pensions, halving poverty, and improving housing standards.

Mr. Putin urged the government to vault Russia into the top five scientificcally developed countries and attract more scientists. Development in health, education, and sports were also mentioned in the decree.