For a brief moment Russia looked inwardly this last week. Following a set of regional elections, President Putin addressed the newly elected candidates. His message was plain and simple. He wants them to focus on the life of the ordinary Russian. He expects good livings standards for everyone. He regards their performance in office as vital to the success of this plan.
“Overall, creating comfortable, favourable environments for living, working, self-fulfilment, and leisure. Not just in regional capitals, but also in small towns and rural areas. All this serves to unlock human potential, the potential of regions as a whole, and ultimately strengthens our country, ensuring its sustainable, confident development.”
It’s a message eerily reminiscent of Soviet Russia, but it has the effects of modernity. He’s placing trust in power and in processes that flow from the Kremlin. He’s seeking to excite his new leaders – or warriors on the frontline of the Russian state – to see their corporate aims as the highest good for the country. It’s not easy as over a million Russians have now died in their pointless war, but the belief is there at least.
