Unexpected as it is, Russia seems to loosening up a bit in terms of political satire. For the first time in over ten years, the unthinkable suddenly appeared on state TV. A satirical cartoon featuring President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was telecast and enjoyed by its citizens. The two and a half minute clip poked fun at the Olympics’ chief Jacques Rogge, Russian bureaucracy and the power play between the President and the Prime Minister.
The cartoon did not come close to taking the liberties that western media does, but it did signify a thawing in the policies of the Russian government in relation to media freedom. Not since the heyday of Boris Yeltsin has this type of lampooning been seen on Russian TV. During Yeltsin’s time NTV’s “Kukly” enjoyed massive success with political satires. However, immediately after Putin took over the satire, along with NTV, it died an unnatural death.
State TV is well known for its unabashed telecast of propaganda and praise for Russia’s two leaders. So, it came as a massive surprise when “Mult lichnosti”, a program that takes pot shots at public figures featured Medvedev and Putin. It was especially surprising that the clip was played immediately after the New Year address of President Medvedev to the nation. The good news is that the two characters will continue to be part of the show, which features the President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and President Obama.
How long this will last is anybody’s guess. However, as long as it does, the Russians are enjoying a good laugh after a long time.