Olga Romanova: Surkov's Dangerous Toys

On August 29, 2006, Vedomosti published a remark from Olga Romanova, in which the author expresses alarm about the flirting of the Presidential Administration (represented by its main “party builder” Vladislav Surkov) with national radical groups. Like many other observers , Olga Romanova is sure that Kremlin ideologists underestimate the dangers of such games and do not understand that, unlike Rodina, they will no longer be able to control new “national-patriotic” projects.

The author has no doubt that Rogozin’s “Motherland” project died not because of xenophobia, but because Rogozin became too independent of the Kremlin. They still managed to neutralize Rodina, but the Kremlin political strategists learned nothing from Rogozin’s example. The Kremlin is looking for a replacement for a person, not an idea, hoping that “Rogozin number two,” unlike the first, can be kept in check. “All summer, new leaders and leaders have been selected for the role of standard-bearers for the vacant direction, which, with skillful warming up, ensures excellent results in elections. Soon, apparently, the country will recognize its new heroes, real russians, resonant with a name and roar, with a radiant look and an icon on their chest, with a drekoly in the right and a banner in the left. Experts name several not very well-known surnames - Egor Kholmogorov, for example, and other name combinations that are pleasant for a true Krivich or Vyatichi."

For some reason, V. Surkov is confident that the new leader of the “Russian patriotic project” will be well protected from betrayal of the Kremlin. But a survey by the Levada Center shows that this “patriot”, still unknown to the people , “with variations on the theme: Russia for Russians;” Already, 54% of Russians “understand” him, 34% support him, and 17% consider him a leader. This leader, of course, will not openly support violent racist crimes, “but he will not forget about the fighting detachment.” And it is unlikely that Surkov or anyone else will be able to keep the newly minted Fuhrer in obedience.

Romanova Olga. Wonderland: In Search of the Leader // Vedomosti. 2006. August 29. 2006.