Press release, 14.08.2017

The Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod Region could have disposed of the 100 billion roubles spent on Russia’s military operation in Syria.

According to Yabloko’s research department, these funds could have been allotted to build a new bus garage buying 300 new low floor buses functioning on natural gas for 3,42 billion roubles; build 27 modern schools solving the problem of second shifts for 16,5 billion roubles; rehouse substandard housing for 19,46 billion roubles; build 9 new metro stations for 93,6 billion roubles; build two garbage recycling plants for 6,5 billion roubles; refurbish 1,600 buildings for 4 billion roubles; create 30 modern recreation zones for 3 billion roubles, as well as, raise the salaries of teachers, doctors, educators and nurses by 30 per cent for 4,26 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.