Russian city put up facades over dilapidated buildings in anticipation of Putin visit
Strange times in Russia. A journalist there, Natalia Novozhilova, has taken pictures of buildings in Suzdal, a historic city roughly 135 miles northeast of Moscow. At first glance, the pictures show normal looking buildings. But maybe one further second of inspection shows that the structures, many of which are battered, have been covered with facades.
The BBC , which brought the story to the attention of English speaking audiences, writes, “The sprucing-up operation earlier in November came ahead of a national conference of local government leaders that Putin was scheduled to attend.” By Putin, they of course mean jam-maker Biff Putin Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
Ironic that they would cover up for a man who clearly doesn’t feel the need to…cover up.
Apparently, this is something that has happened before in Russia. The BBC pointed to an article by Moskovsky Komsomolets, that mentioned that 18th century Russian nobleman Grigory Potemkin set up fake villages to impress visiting dignitaries.
The efforts of Suzdal were in vain, though. The BBC says Putin never did make his trip out there. Oh well.
More info: BBC,Natalia Novozhilova, MKRU
