Another Look at the World

Author: Compiled by China Daily Online
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-02-01
Features: China Daily Online was established in 1995 and is one of China's five key news media websites. It is also the most authoritative comprehensive professional English media website and an international exchange platform in the country. This book collects the essence of the Global Review column from China Daily Online, making it valuable for reading and preservation.
Excerpt: Putin, the "Poor" Anti-Personality Cult Putin's annual salary is less than Bush's monthly
Since July 1, 2002, the salaries of senior Russian government officials have increased by nearly 50%, with President Putin's monthly salary reaching 63,000 rubles (about $200). Although Putin and U.S. President Bush are both heads of state, their salaries differ greatly. Putin earns in a year what Bush makes in a month. However, considering the different consumption levels and purchasing power in the two countries, comparing the roles of the salaries of the two leaders is not straightforward. How do leaders in other countries fare? U.S. President Bush ranks first—with an annual salary of $400,000. French President Jacques Chirac has a fixed monthly salary of 35,800 francs (about $6,000), slightly higher than that of an ordinary legislator (35,100 francs per month). However, Chirac also receives two additional monthly allowances totaling about 90,000 francs (about $15,000), bringing his annual income to $252,000. Additionally, Chirac owns several presidential residences, the most famous of which is the élysée Palace, while the medieval Chateau de Fontainebleau, located 50 kilometers from Paris, is also quite renowned and often serves as accommodation for visiting friends of the president. Among leaders who care most about their salaries, British Prime Minister Tony Blair might be the one. In June 2001, he boldly ended the freeze on salaries, increasing his own by 40%, from ￡116,000 to ￡163,000 (about $257,000). Even so, compared to football stars in the Premier League, Blair is still a small fry. It is reported that players in the Premier League aged 20 and above have an average basic income of ￡409,000, earning an average of ￡8,000 per week, not including bonuses, sponsorships, and advertising income. In comparison, Putin's monthly salary is indeed modest, but compared to the average monthly wage of $200 for ordinary Russians, Putin's monthly income is considered sky-high in Russia.
A Bar Named After Putin: University Students' Blunder
Although Putin's income is modest compared to leaders in Western countries, he is still revered as an idol by many in Russia. Two Russian university students, deeply admiring President Putin, opened a bar named "Putin" to express their boundless admiration. Unfortunately, their flattery backfired. The move displeased the president. Under government pressure, the two girls had no choice but to rename the bar. The "Putin" bar is located in Chelyabinsk, 1,440 kilometers from Moscow. Like other parts of Russia, the city is filled with reverence for Putin, evident in portraits, badges, T-shirts, books, and even Putin eggs. It was to express their love for this outstanding president that the two 21-year-old university students—Evgenia Boriskaya and Elena Zelyonyak—conceived the idea of opening a "Putin" bar. The walls of the bar featured a portrait of Putin, the Russian flag, and a set of judo attire—judo being Putin's favorite sport. The menu also had a Putin flair: beer from Putin's hometown, St. Petersburg; a drink called "Vladimir," after Putin's nickname; and even cookies bearing Putin's initials: VVP. When the bar first opened, it was very popular and gained increasing recognition. But did the president himself feel pleased about this? At a press conference in the Kremlin, a journalist asked Putin about his attitude toward the "Putin" bar. Putin's response suggested he was not supportive of the bar sharing his name. Putin said, "To some extent, people can accept portraits. But there should be some measure." His implication was clear: government officials should "pay a visit" to the bar. And that's exactly what happened—the young owners of the bar found themselves in an awkward and unpleasant situation. Boriskaya said, "How are they showing their support? Is this what the government calls 'supporting small businesses'? We're terrified of them." Eventually, officials from Chelyabinsk came to talk to them politely, and the result was—students removed the "Putin" name from the sign, temporarily replacing it with a "Coca-Cola" logo because they hadn't thought of a new name yet. Although the bar no longer bears the name "Putin," it remains essentially the same. The two university students haven't changed the menu. An official in Chelyabinsk said, "I once suggested that these girls write a letter to the president to seek his approval, but these kids refused." It is reported that Putin has always opposed personality cults and seems reluctant to have his name misused, even by ardent fans.