The first president of the Russian Federation retires voluntarily

On December 31, 1999 at 12:00 the TV channels broadcasted the address of the first Russian President Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin to the citizents.

Addressing the Russian people B. Yeltsin said: “I have understood what I needed to do. Russia has to enter the new millennium with new politicians, new faces, new clever, strong and dynamic people. And we who has been ruling for a long time already have to leave… Having seen the hope and faith of people voting for the new generation of politicians during the Duma elections, I realized that I have already completed the main task of my life. Russia will never return to its past”. 

B. Yeltsin declared that he should not interfere into the natural course of history and the country has a strong man able to become the President.

From that moment came into effect the President’s Decree that said: “1. In accordance with part 2 article 92 of the RF Constitution from 12 a.m. December 31, 1999 I cease to complete my authorities of the RF President. 2. In accordance with part 3 article 92 of the RF Constitution the duties of the RF President are temporarily fulfilled by the Prime Minister of Russia beginning from 12 a.m. December 31, 1999”.  

Acting as a President was the Prime Minister V.V. Putin who addressed the people of Russia with New Year greetings right after B.N. Yeltsin had announced his resignation. 

Lit.: Заявление Бориса Ельцина. 31 декабря 1999 года [Электронный ресурс] // Администрация Президента России. 2019. URL: http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/24080; Указ Президента Российской Федерации от 31.12.1999 г. № 1763. О гарантиях Президенту Российской Федерации, прекратившему исполнение своих полномочий, и членам его семьи [Электронный ресурс] // Администрация Президента России. 2019. URL: http://www.kremlin.ru/acts/bank/14857.