The “Manege” exhibition hall, right outside the gates of the Kremlin, had been cordoned off across a large area. There, Russian President Vladimir Putin gathered his ministers, members of the lower and upper houses of the State Duma and various dignitaries from religion, art and culture who were loyal to the Kremlin. In his speech to the nation, the Kremlin chief unwound his program, which this year revolved around domestic politics. In view of the Duma elections in September, the Russians should feel cared for again, as the Kremlin United Russia party is more unpopular than it has been in a long time. A mere 27 percent of Russians would vote for them. So a little praise for the heroes of the pandemic and the promise of new monetary gifts were needed.
Russia: Vladimir Putin's parallel world
2021-04-22T06:09:00.961Z
In his speech to the nation, Vladimir Putin presents the image of a country in which his state apparatus is responsible for everything. He opens the parliamentary election campaign and promises gifts of money. But what is most interesting is all that he does not mention.
Source: welt