(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION)<br/> <br />Vladimir Putin was sworn in as Russia's president in a glittering Kremlin ceremony on Monday (May 7), starting a six-year term in which he faces growing dissent, economic problems and bitter political rivalries.<br/> <br />Putin took the oath with his hand on the Russian constitution at a ceremony attended by about 2,000 dignitaries.<br/> <br />He praised Dmitry Medvedev, the ally he steered into the Kremlin when he faced a bar on a third straight term in 2008 and who is set to become prime minister in a job swap that has angered many Russians who are tired of the same leaders.<br/> <br />Putin is returning with his authority weakened by months of protests that have polarised Russia and left him facing a battle to reassert himself or risk being sidelined by the powerful business and political elites whose backing is vital.
