Donetsk, Nov 20 - DAN. The Donetsk People’s Republic Head inauguration ceremony has ended at the Donbass Opera building; Denis Pushilin has officially taken office.
The ceremony began at around 12:00, local time. Donetsk is in the same time zone as Moscow. The new leader took oath of office in the presence of nearly 1,000 people including guests from the European Union, Russia and the Lugansk People’s Republic as well as DPR officials, parliamentarians and activists.
“In exercising the powers of Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, I swear to observe the Constitution of the Donetsk People's Republic and its laws, respect and uphold the human rights and freedoms, honourably perform the high-level duties of the Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic and faithfully serve its people,” Pushilin said.
Under the DPR Constitution, Head of the Republic officially assumes office from the moment of taking oath. Pushilin will lead the Republic for the next five years.
Some 70 journalists covered the inauguration ceremony. Security was tightened at and around the Donbass Opera.
DPR residents elected the new Head of the Republic and the parliament on November 11. Five candidates ran for the Republic’s top post. Denis Pushilin won the election with 60.85 percent of votes.*jk