A manifestation of a lulling policy and collective escapism from reality for the entire country.” Yabloko leaders comment on the President Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly.
Press Release, 29.02.2024
Photo by Dmitry Azarov, Kommersant
Yabloko leaders comment on the President Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly
Yabloko Chairman Nikolai Rybakov notes that all the main things form Vladimir Putin’s address, have been already promised to some extent, however, “the things are still there”. “We will protect nature reserves, – but, in fact, the protection is getting weaker. We will protect Baikal – and they are preparing a law on clear cuttings of woods on Lake Baikal. In six years, we will sort all solid waste – and they carry out a waste management reform destroying the nascent separate waste collection system. And not a word about the main thing – about peace.”
Vladimir Putin talked about everything except the main thing: the need for a ceasefire and an end of the killings. This is apparently not his priority,” Yabloko Deputy Chairman Boris Vishnevsky writes.
Maxim Kruglov, head of the Yabloko faction in the Moscow City Duma and Deputy Chairman of the party, draws attention to the same thing: “It looks as if the country is not fighting, as if people are not dying every day. It is as if no tragedy is happening.”
Speaking to officials and deputies, Vladimir Putin announced new national projects “Family”, “Youth of Russia”, “Data Economy”, “Cadres” and a special skilled personnel programme for participants of the special military operation “Time of Heroes”. The latter were promised preferential mortgages at 2% in some regions and “leading positions” at all levels of government.
There is no point in waiting for a systemic solution to the problems, says Ivan Bolshakov, a member of the Yabloko Political Committee, since no one plans to correct their causes (personalist autocracy, Soviet style thinking and conflict with the world).
“Everything else is the usual pre-election chatter, broadcasting on TV channels, cinemas, and large street screens not paid for from the election fund (“Big Brother is watching you”). Nevertheless, social rhetoric is better than militaristic rhetoric,” Bolshakov notes.
Posted: February 29th, 2024 under Economy, Environmental Policies, Governance, Human Rights, Russia-Eu relations, Russia-Ukraine relations, Russian Economy, Social Policies, Без рубрики.