Press release, 14.08.2017

The Tomsk branch of Yabloko collected over 1,000 signatures as part of the Time to Return Home campaign aimed at Russia’s withdrawal from military conflicts and allotment of federal budget funds to Russia’s domestic development.

Yabloko activists handed out leaflet showing how the Tomsk Region could have disposed of the 100 billion roubles spent on Russia’s military operation in Syria.

These funds could have been allotted to repairing all roads in Tomsk for 12.48 billion roubles; building five multifunctional outpatient clinics for 4.49 billion roubles; provision of new housing to people living in shabby houses for 5.54 billion roubles; renovating the public transport fleet by purchasing 100 low-floor buses for 760 million; completely cover education expenses for 50,000 Tomsk students for 25 billion; building three new schools, solving the problem of second shifts in schools for 1.35 billion; renovate the Bogashovo airport for 2.7 billion roubles; creation of 20 modern recreaetion park zones for 2 billion roubles; raising the salaries of teachers, doctors, educators and nurses by 30 per cent for 2.04 billion a year.

Yabloko conducted the Time to Return Home campaign in the central streets and squares of 50 cities in 40 regions of the country. Over 70,000 signatures have already been obtained despite the active pressure on behalf the authorities in a number of regions.

Yabloko plans to collect at least 100,000 signatures. According to Yabloko leaders, such a result will be a serious proof that a significant part of the Russian society stands against the expensive and useless military adventure of the government.