Something highly symbolic happened today. By a decision of United Russia deputies in the Novgorod Region, mayoral elections in all cities have been abolished.
Not just the election of the mayor of Veliky Novgorod, but in fact the elections of all heads of municipal entities.
So it is precisely the region where, for 300 years, one of the most remarkable phenomena in Russian history and a great achievement of the Russian people existed — the Novgorod Republic — that has become one of the first to abandon the practice of popular rule in modern Russia.
Eight hundred years ago people could choose their leaders, but now they cannot. Apparently, we've grown stupider. “Our people are not ready for democracy yet!” (quote)
Wikipedia reminds us that the fall of the republic in 1478 was accompanied by the settlement of Moscow service nobles on Novgorod lands and, as a sign of submission, the removal of the veche bell (the assembly bell symbolizing self-government) from the city.
The first point matches, and as for the veche bell, today’s haters of democracy would most likely sell it to Estonia as scrap metal and stash the proceeds in bank accounts there.
Let me remind you that 77% of Russian citizens support direct elections for city mayors.
Vote for the bill to combat the illicit enrichment of crooks who trample on the ancient traditions of the Rus' people!
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