Putin's 'Grand Final'
(Baonghean.vn) - Successfully organizing the annual military parade on Red Square in Moscow, Russia, not only sent a message about controlling the pandemic, but also served as a way for President Vladimir Putin to consolidate his prestige and garner public support. This is considered the grand finale in a "year of victories" for Putin himself.
Amidst the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic, and with Russia being the third hardest-hit country in the world, the nation held its annual Victory Day parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in Red Square, Moscow.
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| Military and military equipment contingents paraded for nearly 1.5 hours at the 75th anniversary celebration of Victory Day over Nazi Germany in Red Square (Russia). Photo: Reuters |
This is a major national holiday, allowing Russia to showcase its military strength to the world. However, more than that, the event is also seen as a way for President Vladimir Putin to bolster the patriotic spirit of the Russian people and as a foundation for his power.
The parade involved more than 14,000 soldiers, 225 pieces of mechanized equipment, and 75 military aircraft. Many questions have been raised about why the White War Day parade is so important to the Kremlin.
“The victory over Nazi Germany is by far the greatest and most significant historical event for modern Russia. For the Kremlin, it was the most effective way to unite the Russian people, legitimize the Kremlin’s foreign policy aspirations in general, and demonstrate Russia’s status as a great power in particular. Over the past decade, the importance of the holiday has only increased.”
Despite Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin advising residents to watch the parade on television, thousands still flocked to the streets to witness the parade in person, albeit on a smaller scale than in previous years.
The parade was an effective way to rekindle Russian national pride amidst economic difficulties, helping people temporarily forget the fatigue and gloom caused by Covid-19.
That national pride is very important to President Putin. This year's parade was planned to take place after the referendum (April 22) on amending the Constitution, which included "recounting" previous presidential terms, allowing President Putin to run for subsequent terms and remain in power until 2036, after his current fourth term ends in 2024.
However, the parade was postponed on June 24th, and the referendum will take place on July 1st. Therefore, observers believe that the recent parade was the grand finale in a "year of victories" for Putin himself.
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| Russian President Vladimir Putin is present at the military parade in the Red Palace. Photo: CNBC |
The parade was a way to boost public support for Putin ahead of the vote, especially at a time when Putin's approval rating has fallen to a record low of 59% in recent years, due to the Russian government's handling of the Covid-19 crisis and the gloomy economic situation in recent months.
In previous displays of Russian military might, such as the intervention in the Syrian civil war, President Putin's approval ratings skyrocketed. The Kremlin seems to be hoping that showcasing a powerful Russia through the display of modern weaponry in this year's parade will produce a similar effect.
"The Victory Day parade is indeed an important and symbolic holiday for the Russian people because it represents one of the most significant achievements of the Soviet Union. However, the timing of the parade clearly serves an electoral purpose."
In addition, the large-scale military parade, in which all participating soldiers and officials did not wear masks, will reinforce the Russian government's message that Covid-19 is under control.
