Putin treats this annual event much as kings, queens and grand viziers of old enjoyed dispending largesse to the great unwashed whilst sadly shaking their heads at the incompetence of their officials. Pensioner Irina Akopova complained, via video link from her kitchen table, that the price of eggs has rocketed – “Vladimir Vladimirovich, take pity on pensioners! …Sort this out, we have no one to turn to”. Vladimir Vladimirovich duly apologised for this terrible state of affairs before adding “…but this is a failure of the government’s work… I promise that the situation will be corrected in the near future.” And lo, it emerged that earlier this week the government had said it would exempt 1.2 billion eggs from import duty in the first half of 2024 to rein in prices. Set up? Surely nyet!
Britain’s relationship with the EU should prioritise defence and security
When Russia is raising its defence budget by 25 per cent, Brussels, as well as Britain, must get its house in order.
