Dmitry Medvedev: Gazprom Chairman Of Board Of Directors Became Russian President

In his first speech as head of state, newly inaugurated President Dmitry Medvedev vowed Wednesday to strengthen the rule of law and to bring as many Russians as possible into the middle class.

As he addressed more than 2,000 VIP guests who had gathered in the Great Kremlin Palace for the pomp-filled inauguration ceremony, Medvedev also said he would rely in office on the continued support of his predecessor, Vladimir Putin.

He carried through on his words less than three hours later by nominating Putin as prime minister, fulfilling a promise he made in December. The State Duma is expected to confirm Putin's nomination in a special session Thursday.

Describing the eight years of Putin's presidency as a "strong foundation" for growth, Medvedev said his priorities would include defending civil rights and raising living standards.

Returning to a theme from his election campaign, Medvedev promised to strengthen rule of law, which he said was necessary to stop corruption and encourage growth.

A lawyer by training, Medvedev first used the term "legal nihilism" in a January speech that marked the beginning of his election campaign. Boosting the rule of law was also a favorite Kremlin theme during the early years of Putin's presidency, when Putin called for a "dictatorship of the law."

Putin appeared somber throughout much of Wednesday's ceremony. State television showed him arriving in a small motorcade and walking alone through the Kremlin's Cathedral Square toward the Great Kremlin Palace.

He summed up his legacy in a short farewell speech, which he gave immediately before Medvedev was sworn in.

Putin's words were met with applause. Cameras cut to the outgoing first lady, Lyudmila Putina, who appeared gloomy and was looking down at the floor — a sharp contrast to the beaming expression on the face of Medvedev's wife, Svetlana, who was standing beside her.