A festive decoration decision in the small Russian town of Irbit has sparked public outrage after officials dressed statues of Vladimir Lenin and Empress Catherine the Great as traditional New Year’s characters. The Lenin monument was attired as Ded Moroz (Russian Santa Claus), while Catherine wore the blue dress of his helper Snegurochka.
Local residents of the Sverdlovsk region town, population under 40,000, condemned the decorations as “disrespectful” and “stupid,” with some calling for the mayor’s resignation and suggesting vandalism charges. The Telegram channel Irbit Incident quoted one resident lamenting society’s degradation and the poor example set for future generations.
Town council officials defended the decoration as an attempt to create festive atmosphere, promising removal after the holiday season. They emphasized no intention to offend residents or their political views.
themoscowtimes.com
