Russian MP skips session in parliament and sends cardboard cut-out instead
Vladimir Petrov wanted to draw the parliament's attention to the fact that many MPs do not participate in parliamentary life opting to 'stay silent and press buttons as they are told'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Russian MP has reportedly skipped a meeting in regional parliament, asking his assistant to bring a cardboard cut-out of himself instead.
According to local channel 47news, Vladimir Petrov wanted to draw his colleagues’ attention to the fact that many do not participate in parliamentary life opting to “stay silent and press buttons as they are told”.
The event occurred at a parliamentary meeting for the Leningrad region.
The action sparked anger among fellow MPs, with some asking for Mr Petrov’s assistant to be detained.
“Can we all bring cardboard versions of ourselves to meetings or is just him? Does this mean that his vote will still be considered?” MP Andrei Lebdev said, asking for the cardboard cut-out to be turned against the wall.
However, the vice-governor of the Leningrad region Oleg Koval put the photograph out next to him with the words “This is my Petrov”.
Mr Petrov could not attend the meeting due to a broken leg, according to 47news.
Regional parliaments of Russia are the legislative bodies of power in the country. The federal structure of Russia includes 83 regional parliament.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments