This episode is about relationship between Russian people and its government. We discuss level of tax, justice, rights of taxpayers and so on.
Here are some cultural remarks.
Concept of nobility and noblemen is quite straightforward but needs to be further explained in the context of Russian history.
Throughout history of Russian peasantry, noblemen were not simply a social class. They were in charge of peasants' lives, acting as judges, patrons and decision-makers. This idea is said to remain with the people up to these days: Ordinary people expect someone in a higher position to help with their problems and resolve their disputes.
The relationship between a tsar and a noblemen.
A tsar used to be portrayed as an absolute ruler who was in charge and whose decisions were always fair and just.
Since the tsar was always right, the nobility as a class, were always blamed in case a law or regulation were too unpopular among the population.
Although, there are no noblemen neither a tsar in Russia these days, people often draw a parallel between the current system and the old one.
"A Little man" theme was introduced by a Russian writer, Nikolay Gogol in his story "The Overcoat". A Little man is a low-ranked official - a powerless and humiliated person. The image is still present in Russian culture and society.
Contents:
0:00 Intro
0:38 Why do expect others to help us?
4:45 Mayor of Sayansk is happy to talk to people in person. What do people usually ask for?
8:14 A nobleman is our judge
10:36 A local official is expected to do more than he is entitled to.
13:29 Putin acts as a guarantor
15:49 Homo Sovieticus. Who is it?
17:30 The Soviet government made decisions for people but it also provided them with great support.
26:08 How much tax do Russian people think they pay and how much do they really pay?
28:39 Will we ask more questions, if we pay our tax directly?
33:35 In the USA, the government returns spare tax back to the people. What happens in Russia?
37:49 A Siberian city Sayansk managed to avoid a COVID lockdown. Did it help?
40:00 "It is insulting that the government is allowed to act this way"- An entrepreneur says.
41:02 Why Russian people do not like businessmen?
44:35 Universal basic income: A Finnish guy Yuha was selected to receive money from the government.
48:22 Mayor of Sayansk: 1990s taught me to rely on myself, not the government.