Children Overrun the Kremlin! Putin Invites Children’s Choirs to Share New Year’s Spirit
A New Year reception is now being held at the Kremlin. In the evening, Vladimir Putin attended a performance of the Children’s Choir of Russia and met with newly-elected regional governors and those who have recently retired.
Our political observer Alexei Petrov has the details. He's live now.
- Alexei, hello, we're listening to you.
- Igor, hello. Indeed, the Kremlin reception continues. The atmosphere is truly festive. By tradition, the New Year's Christmas tree is beautifully decorated. People are talking about how challenging the year 2017 truly was.
Vladimir Putin wished the guests a happy upcoming New Year and summed up 2017.
Vladimir Putin: "Let us remember the outgoing year as yet another important stage in our life. We are bidding farewell to it as it fades into history, understanding that many new concerns, tasks and ambitious plans lie ahead. I am convinced that we will achieve complete success and resolve even the most complicated challenges. Everything is in our hands and everything depends on us alone. Allow me to offer a toast. To the well-being, and prosperity of the people of Russia! To our Motherland! To Russia! "
And, of course, a traditional glass of champagne. PM Dmitry Medvedev, Chairwoman of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko, the Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus' Kirill are among the guests, as well as many prominent figures, including statespeople, artistic intelligentsia, and artists.
Moreover, Vladimir Putin talked to the regional governors, both those who have resigned and those have been reelected. For example, the head of Dagestan, the governors of the Novgorod and Kirov regions, and the head of Mordovia. We also met Andrey Turchak, who has recently resigned to work in the United Russia party. The Russian President wished them a Happy New Year, stressing the significance of such a meeting.
Vladimir Putin: "I remember one colleague who is present here once said that we will not interfere and this is right. It is necessary to make a new head of the region who bears a tremendous responsibility for the people, their prosperity and well-being, feel like a full-fledged leader of the region. Otherwise, his work will not produce results. Let me repeat that at the same time he could rely on what was done before him, to ensure the continuity of work in the areas which were obviously successful. As a whole, all governors coped with their duties and their work very well. I would like to express the hope that while working in new positions, you will continue contributing to the country's development. I would also like to wish success to your colleagues. And of course, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all of you".
Prior to it, Vladimir Putin and the guests of the reception attended a performance of the Children’s Choir of Russia in the State Kremlin Palace. The conductor was maestro Valery Gergiev. The performance was called A Winter Fairy Tale. Children came from various regions of the country. Indeed, the State Kremlin Palace was imbued with the atmosphere of childhood and New Year for 2 hours.
- Igor.
- Thank you, Alexei. That was our political observer Alexei Petrov.