RBC Daily: "Putin: «We are in the Caucasus, aren’t we? Here, people are fearless…»"
Vladimir Putin learns about features of national mentality.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin flew to the Caucasus just to see once again how special it is. People here have their own way of greeting each other, interpreting their goals and pinching women's butts. And unlike the local government officials, they do not believe in the great prospects of the tourist industry in the region. Putin was told that highlanders are born to fight not wait on tourists.
Putin flew to Kislovodsk to talk to the governor and the local youth and hold a meeting on district development. Stavropol Territory Governor Valery Gayevsky admitted instantly that "he is sick and tired of Turkish tomatoes." He asked Putin to support vegetable farming in green houses and in fields. "Indeed, people in Europe have also forgotten what quality products are."
Young people from the multi-ethnic Caucasus told Putin they must have spent about an hour debating how they should greet him. Putin advised them: "In a loud, commanding voice, so that even people in the mountains can hear you." "Here is our common Caucasian Salaam!" the audience yelled. The Cossacks of the North Caucasus have decided to greet you in the traditional Cossack way: "A nice day to you."
Some people from the Mashuk forum asked the prime minister to answer the eternal question: is the Caucasus a burden or an economic driver for Russia? Putin called it one of Russia's gems. He did not deny that the district had many problems but could still find a solution to its socio-economic revival. Mainly through the development of tourism. "This is not just alpine skiing. There are many things here to be proud of. We have received this competitive advantage from God and we must use it accordingly."
But highlanders are born to fight rather than wait on tourists, a man from Stavropol objected. And what tourist, unless he is an enthusiastic snowboarder or skier will come to the Caucasus at all? People are still shooting here, he went on. "The mountain people are of course proud people but tourism does not boil down to 'waiting on tourists.' It is a very important economic sector and the mentality of the highlanders will change in proportion to their growing living standards," Putin said. "The tourist industry offers decent and prestigious jobs but requires thorough training and skills," he noted, adding: "If someone pinches a women's butt, this is not something most tourists will enjoy."
Putin recalled that he learned Alpine skiing in Cheget. One man responded: "You should have started your training at Azau instead because Cheget has no trails for beginners." "I realised this only after I got there. The Defense Ministry had (and, probably, still has) a base there and it was at that base that I made my first attempt at skiing," Putin replied. "You are a brave man," they replied.
"I believe that we'll eventually get our own resorts just like in Switzerland or at least in Austria, with ski trails and all the rest," someone said. "You don't think Austria is as good as Switzerland?" Putin queried. The man found the right answer: "I believe the Caucasus will be the best."
"Aren't you afraid that big investors will stifle small business?" someone asked. Putin replied ironically: "We're in the Caucasus, aren't we? Here, people are fearless."
"Small companies will spring up on the fringes of these big businesses. This will be good for everyone – from local restaurateurs to those who make... "...skiing caps," someone finished his sentence. "Isn't that good?" Putin asked, ignoring the irony.
"Tourism is good, but we have our established businesses that deserve to be modernised," a man from Dagestan said. He cited an example of dentists from Lak, adding that their patients are people from Moscow. "All right, I'll go to Dagestan when I get a toothache and try to save a bit," Putin smiled.
Putin is convinced that if the industrial foundation is established, the Caucasus will become an attractive resort destination, and not just for Russians, but it is essential to guarantee security. "But as the tourist trade increases, the local businesspeople will make every effort to prevent others from ruining their businesses," he said.
One of the young attendees praised Presidential Envoy Alexander Khloponin for his support. "By the way, he is also my deputy," Putin added. "What a career climber! But he's right in supporting you," he summed up.
Inga Vorobyeva
