Save yourself, who can...

There was virtually no doubt that the Kremlin would nominate its own alternative candidate for the post of mayor of Sochi. It was clear that they would want to oppose Boris Nemtsov with someone. But the candidacy of State Duma deputy from the LDPR Andrei Lugovoi came as a surprise to me. I can’t even say offhand whether it’s pleasant or unpleasant. (In case anyone has forgotten, Mr. Lugovoi is the same character whom British justice accuses of poisoning Alexander Litvinenko and demands his extradition.) On the one hand, I am concerned about the fate of my comrade Boris Nemtsov and his campaign headquarters. They will have to stock up on thermoses and boilers.

On the other hand, I vividly imagine what Andrei Lugovoi can build an election campaign on.

I have just returned from Sochi and I can confidently state that today the residents of this glorious city blame, first of all, the federal government and the regional leadership for all their endless troubles. So, Mr. Lugovoy’s reputation allows him to offer the Sochi residents a solution to this problem that Boris Nemtsov, of course, will not be able to compete with. And, I dare to assure you, he won’t even try. However, I don’t want to develop this topic further...