State symbolism laws come into effect. Quest for anthem lyrics starts

Laws of Russia’s state symbolism were published today in the “Rossiyskaya Gazeta” meaning that from this day on they have come into effect. Later today, crowning today’s state radio and television broadcasts, the anthem’s music written by Soviet composer Aleksandrov will be ringing out. In the meantime, as has become known to Pravda.ru, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has ordered to set up a working group for studying the lyrics proposals for the tune. Many thought the lyrics would have been adopted before the New Year. But in vain. The text is to formally be adopted through a special legislative amendment, while the State Duma (Russia’s parliament) is currently having a recess.