Putin wants to attract foreigners to Russia
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine more than half a million people have left Russia. President Vladimir Putin has now issued a new law to reduce the once high immigration hurdles. The aim is to make Russia attractive to citizens from states where "traditional values" are being repressed. The press ridicules the idea.
To Moscow!
La Stampa scoffs:
“Every Western country, from Italy and Germany to the US, can draw up its own list of politicians and opinion-makers - especially, but not only, from the right-wing camp - who pay lip service to Moscow over the 'depraved' West. Yet you are unlikely to see them standing in the queue at the Russian immigration office. ... Even high-end 'immigrants' like Gérard Depardieu, who secured himself a Russian passport in order to dodge François Hollande's supertax, or Steven Seagal who never misses a parade on Red Square, prefer to enjoy the decline of the West in the West. ”
Obstacles placed in path of Russians
Radio Kommersant FM criticises further Russian legislation that would introduce offence proceedings for political statements made by Russians living abroad:
“The air of freedom is notoriously intoxicating at times. If you blurt out something without thinking you can now expect administrative proceedings in Russia, which in today's reality can very quickly turn into criminal proceedings. ... The country faces labour shortages and demographic problems. For people to come back and work for the common good it would be logical to create incentives by saying: We forgive those who have gone astray, those who have borne false witness against officials and state symbols out of ignorance and inexperience.”