Press release, 5.09.2018

On 2 September, a rally against raising the retirement age took place in Pskov. Chair of the regional Yabloko branch and deputy of the Pskov Region Legislative Assembly Lev Shlosberg delivered a speech at the rally.

“Putin was silent about the reform for two and a half months. He could not find the right words for two and a half months. But he finally appealed to us last week. So, what did he say? He made a 30 minutes video address – it was not a live broadcasting at a square in front of people. Putin only mentioned a few points.

First: he admitted that he is the author of the reform. Hr had to do it. Public protest made him admit it was his idea, it has become clear now.

Second: he admitted that Russia is not and, in his opinion, will never be a welfare state. But Russia is a welfare state according ti the Constitution. On 29 August, Putin trampled on the Russian Constitution and the whole world saw it. He declared that there is no welfare state in Russia that has obligations to its people.

What else did he say? The main achievement of the state is rich people. The main achievement is officials who are loyal to Putin and follow his will. The main achievement is law enforcement of all levels that protect the government. This is only one power in the country – the power of Putin. He protects his power at all price.

He said there was not enough money for security. He forgot to mention whose security – his personal one and his government’s as well as the security of political criminals who are loyal to him. We have people like this in the Pskov Region too. They need money to protect themselves.

Finally, he said the main thing. This criminal government will solve its problems at the expense of people. They will deprive people of their pensions. They will understate wages. They will cancel benefits. The government will do everything at the expense of people. This is all they can do.

What conclusion can we make from Putin’s speech? The best thing he can do for the country is to resign. He has already reached the retirement age. Mister Putin, you have already done so much that it will take a hundred years to make amends,” the politician said calling upon Vladimir Putin to resign.