A chief rabbi of Russia said Sunday’s elections give Vladimir Putin “carte blanche” to continue his policies.
Berel Lazar told Interfax that the pro-Kremlin United Russia’s landslide victory – the party won 64 percent of the vote – amid widespread reports of voter irregularities had granted the Russian president a broad mandate.
“The party they call the ruling party, United Russia, backed up by President Vladimir Putin, enjoys predominant support,” Lazar said. “This means that a large part of Russians support this economic, ideological and national policy, and give the authorities carte blanche to continue this course.”
Lazar, of the Chabad-led Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, called on the government to improve the quality of life for its citizens, many of whom are living in poverty.
“In that case, people will come to Russia to receive therapy or study,” he said. “Pensions will be sufficient for taking rest from years of labor instead of making elderly people paupers.”
