Vologda authorities attempted to conceal the opening of a monument to Stalin due to protests from residents, journalist Pavel Shabanov told 7x7 on December 18.
A monument to the Soviet dictator, covered to hide it from passersby, appeared on the premises of the Vologda Political Exile Museum on December 17. The pro-government news agency Vologda Region announced its unveiling for December 18, the date recognized by the church as Joseph Stalin's birthday. However, within hours, the announcement was removed from the agency’s website and all its social media accounts.
Journalist Pavel Shabanov informed 7x7 that the monument might be unveiled secretly during a "clandestine assembly." He suggested that authorities pressured journalists to delete the announcement.
Neither Governor Georgy Filimonov nor the museum has commented on the appearance of the monument.
Vologda authorities first announced plans to install a monument to Stalin in mid-October 2024. In response, residents of Vologda Oblast collected 2,800 signatures opposing the initiative. However, authorities stated they were not obligated to seek public approval for the installation.
A painting of Stalin shaking hands with Georgy Filimonov hangs in the governor’s office.
