Press Release, 29.08.2023

The Novgorod branch of Yabloko published its programme for the elections of deputies of the City Duma of Novgorod. The key slogan of the Yabloko election camapaign is “I Vote for Peace!”.

“The 24^th of February shocked everyone. A disaster happened. For many years, and especially for the past eight years, we have warned about the danger of such a development of events. But we were not heard… People are dying, and thousands of Russians have paid the price for anti-war statements, hundreds of thousands left the country, millions are hiding from mobilization,” runs the election programme of Yabloko. The regional branch of the party calls on citizens: “Vote for Yabloko – Choose Peace!”.

Yabloko stresses that “the upcoming elections are perhaps the last legal opportunity to cast your vote for peace and freedom, express your attitude to what is happening. Without this first step, nothing will change, and a calm and peaceful life will not return. If your voice does not appear in the elections, the fate of Russia will be determined by people with weapons in their hands. The history of our country has repeatedly shown where this path leads”.

Yabloko calls the voters to raise their voices for peace: “We once again we are calling you to raise your voice for peace, for a modern democratic system, for an efficient economy, for Russia’s European future. The Yabloko party is the party of peace”. For the sake of saving people’s lives, at all levels, from federal to municipal, Yabloko demands the following:

– immediate conclusion of a ceasefire agreement;

– recognising that human life is the highest value and accepatance of the priority of a person over the state;

– demilitarisation of society and turning the state policy towards the individual;

– abolishing censorship and repressive laws, and release of political prisoners;

– alternation of power, abolition of all restrictions on elections and simplification of the registration of political parties and candidates.

Yabloko also stands for the development of local self-government and civil society independent of the government. The programme also proposes a set of definite measures – entitiled “Novgorod is for all of us” –  to deal with social, healthcare, municipal, environmental problems and improve living standards in Novgorod. The programme also proposes direct election of the Mayor (instead of the current appointing of the Mayor), retaining 50% of the personal income tax collected in Novgorod in the city budget (instead of 15%, as is the case now) and systemic fight against corruption and ineffective budget spending.

“Vote for those who speak the truth,” Yabloko calls on voters.

“Elections on 10 September will determine what city politics will be like for the next five years. Will it be honest, people-oriented, and responsible, or, as before, it will remain completely obedient, dependent on the regional and federal authorities and out of touch with the people. We are participating in the elections to make politics face the people and return democracy to the city.

We believe that the main thing now is people’s lives, your and our freedom. We are not afraid to speak frankly about what is happening in the country and our city. Vote for those who have the courage to speak the truth at all levels of government and make decisions in the interests of citizens. For the sake of life without fear, vote for Yabloko. Choose peace!”