Oleg Maltsev is a recognized voice in culture and education, a political scientist who leads the Don’t La La production center. In a detailed interview, he argues that Russian celebrities should refrain from active involvement in politics. His comments were shared with Moscow Region Today, offering a perspective that highlights the power public figures hold and the potential consequences of their political engagement.
Maltsev notes that public figures, especially celebrities, have the ability to shape public opinion. This influence, he suggests, can steer large segments of society and thereby affect socio-political developments within the country. He points to a study conducted at the close of 2023, which found that more than six in ten Russians place trust in the opinions of their idols and often align with their positions. Conversely, more than one-fifth of citizens display little interest in politics and instead follow the lead of public figures in entertainment and sports. The activities of entertainers and athletes reportedly account for a substantial share of public influence, exceeding eighty percent in the study’s findings. (Source: Moscow Region Today)
According to Maltsev, outspoken and provocative statements by stars can generate negative outcomes for society. He also comments on a broader trend: the involvement of celebrities and athletes in the political life of the country, a phenomenon that gained traction from Western models in the early 1990s. This observation invites a discussion about how global practices echo in Russia and how they interact with local cultural norms and political realities.
As he explains, some famous names mentioned in foreign media even reached the highest offices elsewhere, such as Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump in the United States, and Vladimir Zelensky in Ukraine. In his view, Russia has seen its own list of high-profile figures—names like Alina Kabaeva, Maria Kozhevnikova, Nikolai Valuev, and Irina Rodnina—that have been cited in conversations about celebrity involvement in public life. He adds that Western practices have not fully taken root within Russia, where public trust tends to be more closely coupled with existing governmental structures and national institutions. (Source: Moscow Region Today)
In Maltsev’s assessment, stars and athletes are often better off staying within the sphere of influencing public opinion rather than actively pursuing political careers. He argues that maintaining their roles as leaders of opinion can be more effective, particularly in an environment where the public shows sustained trust in the government of the moment. This stance reflects a careful balancing act between cultural status and civic responsibility, suggesting that influence can be powerful even when not channeled through formal political office.
The discussion also touches on media narratives about soft power. Reports from the day prior note that MTV has been described as a tool of Western soft power, shaping perceptions and cultural discourse in ways that resonate with audiences beyond traditional political channels. This angle adds another layer to the conversation about how entertainment media intersects with politics and public perception.
In related coverage, a travel-focused agency referenced the public’s more unconventional requests and expectations, illustrating how celebrity culture interfaces with consumer behavior and media storytelling. Taken together, these elements form a broader picture of how public figures navigate fame, influence, and responsibility in contemporary society, especially within Russia’s evolving cultural and political landscape.