Former governor of the Novosibirsk region and Krasnoyarsk Territory Viktor Tolokonsky called Krasnoyarsk a “village” compared to Novosibirsk. The politician stated this in a one and a half hour podcast dedicated to a conversation about Novosibirsk.
At first, Tolokonsky said that Novosibirsk is very different from Krasnoyarsk precisely because it is a capital city, and at the 41st minute of the conversation he even called Krasnoyarsk a “village”:
“I say again: Krasnoyarsk is a village compared to Novosibirsk <...> What's especially beautiful there? <...> Every city has development potential – in Novosibirsk it is the largest in Russia, more than Moscow, St. Petersburg, more than Krasnoyarsk. That's all.”
The Krasnoyarsk public has already reacted to Viktor Tolokonsky’s statement. Thus, deputy Ilya Zaitsev came to the defense of Krasnoyarsk – in his social networks he listed the advantages of the city and stated that “Krasnoyarsk is not a “village”, but a city of strength, character and future”:
“I read how the former governor of the region, Viktor Tolokonsky, called Krasnoyarsk a “village” in comparison with Novosibirsk. I'll tell you straight – this is not true. And not only because it’s a shame for my hometown. But because the facts say otherwise… Before comparing two cities, it is better to look not only at the past, but also at the future. It is obviously beyond Krasnoyarsk. Our city is not a periphery or a village. This is the center of gravity of Eastern Siberia, a city built by smart, strong and loyal people to their land. We don't compare ourselves to anyone. We are simply doing our job – and rightfully deserve the status of the capital of Siberia.”
Deputy Semyon Sendersky also supported him:
“I listen to Tolokonsky and don’t believe my ears. Such statements are not just a manifestation of arrogance, they are disrespect for the people who built, developed and continue to develop our city. Krasnoyarsk will celebrate its 400th anniversary in a few years – it is a city with history, strength and character. We are building, developing, moving forward Siberia and Russia. When a man who once held the highest positions allows himself to disparage the territory to which he owes his career, it speaks not about the city where he was once received with respect, but about himself. We are not a village, we are the heart of Siberia. And if someone doesn’t understand this, well, it happens when a person loses touch not only with the region, but also with reality.”
Let us remind you that this is not the first time Viktor Tolokonsky has made such statements. So, in October 2017, shortly after leaving the post of governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, he argued that Novosibirsk is the logistics and scientific center of Siberia.
