MOSCOW: A look at some of the significant dates in Vladimir Putin’s 18 years in power as Russia’s president and prime minister:
December 31, 1999 — In a surprise address to the nation, President Boris Yeltsin announces his resignation and makes Putin, the prime minister he appointed four months earlier, the acting president.
May 7, 2000 — After winning election with about 53 percent of the vote, Putin is inaugurated for his first four-year term.
May 11, 2000 — Tax police raid the offices of NTV, a popular independent channel noted for critical coverage of the Kremlin. It is the first salvo in …read more
Source: The Himalayan Times
