Now Putin is launching a charm offensive for his officials

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The Russian elite has to dig deep into their pockets because of the high costs of the war. Now President Vladimir Putin (70) fears for the loyalty of local officials. Because these are mainly responsible for financing the war through the collection of taxes in their districts.

Only: Putin’s support in local governments is getting smaller and smaller. His new strategy: he wants to launch a charm offensive. From now on, an “initiative group” must read the wishes of the officials from their eyes.

The Kremlin wants to keep creativity alive

On Wednesday, the independent Russian magazine “Verstka” reported for the first time on the “privileged program”, as it is officially called. Gifts such as chocolates, chips, free parking in the city or discounted bank loans should be at the top of the list.

The American think tank “Institute for the Study of War” analyzes: “With these measures, the Kremlin is increasingly struggling to maintain the loyalty of the regional authorities at a lower level.” Putin even instructed “initiative groups” to prepare questionnaires for civil servants. In this way, the different needs must be identified and fulfilled.

Municipal employees must also be kept happy. They are offered scholarships and training seminars as part of the program. This is intended to support them in a time of rising prices and other negative consequences of war. The extent to which Putin makes new friends with this will become clear when the program starts at the end of April. (lia)

Source: Blick