Erection of record-high flagpoles reminds of Kadyrov's ostentatious loyalty to Putin

The world's highest pair of flagpoles, which cost the Chechen budget 15 million roubles, indicates a special attitude of Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Chechnya, to Russian President, and non-transparent spending of federal subsidies, locals believe.

"In honour of the 66th birthday of Vladimir Putin, on October 7, the solemn opening of the highest world tandem of flagpoles took place in the territory of the residence of the head of the republic. One flagpole carries the flag of Russia, the other – the flag of Chechnya. The height of each of them is 73.5 meters; totally, they are the highest in the world – 147 meters," the office of the head and government of Chechnya told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Residents of Chechnya criticize the erection of the flagpoles, calling it "another demonstration of loyalty to the head of Russia."

"Ramzan (Kadyrov) is constantly demonstrating his personal loyalty to Vladimir Putin. At the Ramzan's behest, the central avenue of Grozny was renamed after Putin; we have a youth organization named 'Putin' (in 2010, Putin's birthday was marked by the creation of a youth movement named after him, – note of the "Caucasian Knot"); and a Judo Palace named after him is being built. The two Russia's highest flagpoles, opened in his honour, plus the day before, they organized motor circuit races, also dedicated Putin's birthday. Meanwhile, no one says how much it all costs," said Magomed, a local resident.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on October 9, 2018 at 12:38 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.