The president of Russia has directed the Cabinet of Ministers to implement measures that raise the profile of figures from Russian history and folklore. The aim is to weave these iconic characters into everyday life, including the use of their images on souvenirs and other consumer goods. The directive was issued through the Kremlin and reflects a push to tie cultural heritage to national identity in a tangible way.
The president stated that efforts should focus on popularizing heroes who embody traditional values. He specified that images of these figures should appear on well-made printed materials, souvenirs, and a range of replica and consumer products. The goal is to ensure that these cultural symbols are accessible and attractive to a broad audience while reinforcing a sense of shared history and values.
The government has set a target date of May 15, 2023, for the implementation plan, with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin named as the official responsible for overseeing the work. This appointment places responsibility at the highest level of government to coordinate actions across ministries and regions.
In addition to this cultural initiative, the president introduced a policy at the start of the year related to civil service compensation. The direction was that wages for government employees should rise in step with the overall economic pace. To track progress, the government and regional authorities were asked to submit a formal report on the implementation of this order by March 30, 2023. Further quarterly updates were to be provided to the president to maintain oversight and accountability over wage growth and its alignment with economic performance.