LDPR held a thematic forum “Youth in Politics”

On Wednesday, the LDPR held a thematic forum “Youth in Politics”. As part of it, representatives of various universities, colleges and schools were briefly taught the basics of political skills and introduced to the chairman of the party, Leonid Slutsky. The politician tried to charm young people not only with party theses, but also with poetry.

The agenda of the “Youth in Politics” forum organized by the LDPR, in fact, did not correspond much to the announcement. Instead of the stated abstract opportunity to “contribute to the discussion of key issues” and “look at politics from a new angle,” party members built a compressed bootcamp for young people on the basics of public policy. Basic advice, mainly on building an image, was distributed to those gathered (at least two hundred people came to the hall of the city party committee in 1st Basmanny Lane in Moscow) from artists, political strategists and media professionals. In terms of content, the agenda of the event was fully consistent with the well-known spirit of the LDPR.

“Impression is the basis of everything,” said, for example, actress Olga Spirkina. “And, unfortunately, 80% of the impression is your appearance and the way you speak, and only 20% is what you say.” “They greet you based on your clothes, but you still see them off based on your intelligence,” political strategist Ernest Staratelev tried to argue, having previously been criticized by the artist for the imposing pose in which he sat on stage. “That’s right, they greet you based on their clothes, but, you know, they may not come out to see you off,” Ms. Spirkina found. “You can see the experience of an older woman,” the stung expert could not resist replying.

Several hours of waiting for LDPR Chairman Leonid Slutsky passed almost unnoticed. “I greet all those who will create the future Russia and who are already building the best political party in the country today!” – Mr. Slutsky announced. The greeting was greeted with an ovation – a considerable part of those present predictably represented party youth. Which, as the politician noted with satisfaction, is “more powerful, numerous and creative than others” and “focused on results, so that social elevators for young people are created in the party’s coordinate system.”

The ensuing condensed presentation of pressing party and general political theses did not have time to lull the youth to sleep, as questions from the audience soon began, and this part of the forum did not pass without a spark. Leonid Slutsky pulled out everyone who dared to speak, hugged them tightly for a joint photo and asked about their studies, their small homeland and interests. “As a future artist, maybe you sang, danced, maybe read something?” – he took the first one who came on stage into circulation. “I read Pasternak’s “Dream,” and I recommend it to you,” the young man answered bravely. “Play it back!” – the party member demanded. “I… forgot,” he sighed. “Such things are not forgotten!” – the liberal democrat shook his head and suddenly – as confirmed by the rounded eyes of his assistants – he reproduced several stanzas from “February” and “Hamlet”.

Finally struck by Pasternak’s “everything is drowning in pharisaism” performed by the leader of the Liberal Democrats, the audience melted away and tormented him for the next hour, including with questions about personal matters. Mr. Slutsky was asked to tell whether he had thought about becoming a politician in his youth (he dreamed of becoming a physicist, he admitted), to list his favorite media, and even to remember the most important advice from the late party founder Vladimir Zhirinovsky. “Never be afraid of anyone, you are always right,” Leonid Slutsky recalled after thinking. The speeches of the LDPR chairman were rounded off with a direct question from the audience about whether he intended to win the presidential election. And here the party member did not hesitate at all: “When you participate in something, in some elections, and you say that “no, I don’t want” – why participate then? Of course (I plan. – “Kommersant”)! And we are dedicated to this!”

Young liberal democrats, inspired by the leader, answered Kommersant’s questions about the reasons for choosing in favor of the LDPR very willingly. For example, Yaroslavl resident Ivan noted the high charisma of Mr. Zhirinovsky and the party’s concern for the hardships of the Russian people. Siberian Angelina praised the enthusiasm and prudence of the new leader of the LDPR, and Arina from Moscow praised the party’s activity in working with young people. “As Leonid Eduardovich said, there are now two parties in the growth stage,” the Muscovite noted judiciously. “The first, the LDPR, puts an emphasis on young people, conducts events and projects, and the second… how can I tell you, has already gained a foothold and, apparently, does not need such promising young people so much.” “You see, the teaching was not in vain,” the organizers rejoiced.

Grigory Leiba