“A very humane person” – Russian TV channel launches programme about Putin

The Russian state TV channel Rossia has launched a programme titled ‘Moscow. Kremlin. Putin’ which focuses on the work and life of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Content

The programme was only announced on the eve of its premier. There was no information about its content, frequency or even the anchor of the programme until the first episode was released.

Every week a new episode will focus on various parts of Vladimir Putin’s life. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov who appeared in the first episode described the programme as an attempt to show a week in the life of the head of the state.

The first episode touched on four issues:

• Putin’s working visit to Siberia;

• An announcement pertaining to pension reform mitigation;

• A visit to a children’s centre;

• Vacation in Siberia.

The programme only voiced praise for the president, including for:

‘His good physical form’;

‘His busy work schedule’;

‘His love for children’;

‘Mitigating pension reform’.

Style

Here are several quotations from guests on the programme:

“The president of Russia has been [in the position] for more than a year – he could have relaxed, but no – he has a busy schedule every week.”

“I don’t really understand how he can handle such a schedule, it’s a marathon!”

“Putin knows from personal experience just how dangerous and difficult the work of a miner is.”

“He always talks to the people to figure out what worries them.”

“The president explained the essence of the issue in just half an hour.”

“It is obvious just how much Putin loves children.”

“He loves people. He is a very humane person.”

The purpose of such a programme? The BBC’s suggestions

The BBC suggests that the reason for this programme can be found in falling popularity ratings for Vladimir Putin, which occurred after the authorities announced plans to raise the retirement age.

• Russia plans to raise retirement age, taxes. The arguments of the authorities, what to expect