Yabloko deputies in the Pskov region signed a parliamentary appeal against Putin’s lifelong rule

Press Release, 15.06.2020

Photo: The Pskov Yabloko team at a conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Yabloko branch in Pskov. November 16, 2019. Photo by Alexander Sidorenko

More than 350 deputies of regional and municipal parliaments from 39 regions of Russia signed an open appeal against Vladimir Putin’s amendments to the Constitution, ensuring his lifelong rule: 17 of them are deputies elected from the Pskov branch of Yabloko, and this is the third result in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg. The 17 Pskov deputies elected from Yabloko include both the deputies of the Regional Assembly (Arthur Gaiduk and Lev Shlosberg), a deputy of the Pskov City Duma (Dmitry Permyakov) and 14 deputies from 13 district assemblies.

The appeal of the deputies took a special place among public letters against Putin’s policies: most of the signatories are deputies of local self-government – the local deputies that are the closest to people.

“The amendment of the Constitution of Russia proposed by Vladimir Putin and those who depend on him is aimed at solving one problem – ensuring the life-long power of Putin and his group. This change is contrary to the spirit and letter of the current Constitution and is adopted under an absolutely unconstitutional procedure, where each action violates the constitutional foundations of the state and democratic rules. Virtually, we are dealing with an attempted coup.

The main (and essentially the only) idea of ​​this change is the preservation for a long time, until the end of Putin’s life, of the present situation in Russia — lawlessness, lies and injustice of the state — which is hidden behind a verbosity of decorative promises. Behind the amendments, “nullifying” the terms of President Putin, there is a fear of the usurpers of power in front of the people and disrespect for them,” the deputies’ appeal runs.

“We categorically do not support the amendments of Vladimir Putin. They destroy the Russian state and pose a threat to its very existence in the near future. These changes are incompatible with freedom and democracy, dignity and human rights,” the deputies emphasise.

We urge all citizens of Russia to publicly disagree with the usurpation of power. The duty of every responsible citizen of Russia now is to disagree with Putin’s amendment of the Constitution, openly speak out against these changes, against Putin’s omnipotence, and against the degradation of citizens’ rights and freedoms. Usurpers of power should know that Russian citizens do not agree with them and do not connect the future of the country with them.

The future of Russia now depends on us, free and responsible citizens. We are not afraid. We openly declare our categorical disagreement with Vladimir Putin and refuse him our confidence. We do not intend to give our future and the future of our children to temporary placeholders who have stayed here for decades. We feel the support of the majority of Russian citizens.”

Commenting on the signing of the appeal by the deputies, Chairman of the Pskov branch of Yabloko Lev Shlosberg said, “This is a serious act for a deputy from the province who is not spoiled by the attention of the press and not protected by publicity. Most of the time, a municipal deputy is busy with the problems of voters living nearby. But there come such moments in life when it is impossible not to talk about the situation in the whole country. Now such a moment has come.”

The collection of signatures of deputies under the appeal is still going on, in the Pskov region inclusive.