Press Release, 4.05.2020

The Saratov branch of the Yabloko party sent an appeal to the Governor and the government of the Saratov region, as well as to deputies of the regional Duma with a call to redistribute the funds envisaged in the regional budget for 2020 in connection with the spread of the COVID-19 infection.

“We believe that taxpayers’ money should be used to finance hospitals, salaries of doctors and medical personnel, purchase of necessary medical equipment and medicines, as well as free personal protective equipment for the entire population of the region, but certainly not for campaigning for [Vladimir Putin’s] amendments to the Constitution and construction of a new park,” said Ksenia Sverdlova, Chair of the regional branch of the party.

The total funding for these projects, which can be re-allocated to the fight against the coronavirus infection, is more than 165 million roubles.

It should be noted that Yabloko forwarded to the President, government and parliament a package of its proposals with urgent measures to support people, workers and private businesses in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The party also calls on the President and government to expand the list of supported NGOs.

In addition, the party Chairman Nikolai Rybakov sent letters to the Governors of more than 20 Russian regions urging them to redirect funds allocated for campaigning for amendments to the Constitution to fight against coronavirus.