The leaflet is a satirical address written in the voice of the Rotenberg brothers and other associates close to Vladimir Putin ahead of the March 18 presidential election.
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Friends!
We are addressing you on behalf of all the Russian oligarchs close to Putin.
The presidential election will take place on March 18. There is no real competition in this election—everyone knows Putin will win. We, the Rotenberg brothers, are absolutely delighted about that. After all, Putin’s regime has allowed us to:
— illegally obtain more than 1 trillion rubles in state contracts; — acquire luxury property in Italy and on Rublyovka (an elite residential area outside Moscow); — receive billion-ruble loans from the Central Bank at 0.5% annual interest; — completely avoid punishment for siphoning $6 billion out of Russia; — gain control of the Platon system, which brings in 10 billion rubles a year and will ruin Russian long-haul truck drivers.
We were able to achieve all this not because we are exceptionally smart or farsighted. Simply because we are Putin’s friends. And you, ordinary citizens who want a decent pension, healthcare, and education—you are his enemies. Putin does not want to spend money on you when he has us.
All Putin needs from you is your vote for his reappointment, no matter whom you cast it for. Come and help Vladimir Vladimirovich claim that the majority of Russians believe in the institution of elections.
Do not listen to those who urge you not to go to the polling stations—show Putin that you are ready to play along with him!
As for us, we really will not be coming to vote: it is warmer in Italy right now.
Yours,
Arkady and Boris Rotenberg