After serving as prime minister for four years, Vladimir Putin returned to the Russian presidency Monday to begin his third term, as outgoing President Dmitry Medvedev was appointed prime minister for the second time, thus continuing their governing partnership.

Mr. Putin served as president for two terms from 2000 to 2008 before becoming prime minister. Over the past 12 years, he has succeeded in stabilizing Russian society after the confusing years of Boris Yeltsin's presidency and in achieving economic growth. Meanwhile, Russia's presidential term has been extended from four years to six years, meaning that Mr. Putin could potentially serve as president for the next 12 years.

At his inauguration, Mr. Putin declared: "We want and live in a democratic country where everyone has the freedom and ability to apply their talent. We want to live in a successful Russia respected worldwide as a reliable, open, fair and predictable partner." Clearly this should be the eventual and highest goal for his presidency.