Restoration of Stalin's bas-reliefs sparks disputes among Volgograd residents

The profile of Joseph Djugashvili (Stalin) and his party pseudonym will return after restoration to the facade of the building of the Volgograd Medical University located in the Square of Fallen Warriors. It will also be returned to the facade of the Volgograd planetarium. The townspeople's opinions about authorities' decision have diverged.

"It's necessary to remove all these bas-reliefs altogether," says the user named Centre old women. "I'm very pleased with the decision. History must be protected and preserved," the user Marina has objected. "Finally, the historic building will be restored to its original appearance; and Stalin will be there!" the user trakhtenberg is satisfied.

"... But what about the personality cult? It's no longer relevant, is it?" the user No comment asks.

"The decision is purely political. The building facade is in good condition. Perhaps, it needs just a small cosmetic repair. But they've decided that the facade will serve the modern ideology. People can be governed by means of an idea, money or fear. Since the first two resources have weakened, the last one remains – fear," the use Old doctor contemplates.

"Old doctor, don't be ridiculous. What political decision is here? They are just restoring the monument. The incumbent power and Stalin are different things," the user named Young gravedigger has objected. "I think it's high time to return Stalinism itself along with the bust. We are an agricultural farm; and every year we are fighting for workers for harvesting. We need like it was under Stalin: fixed wages and a prison for parasitism," the user Guest is sure.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on September 2, 2022 at 02:47 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.