Lenin for sale

Government authorities of the Russian city of Valdai hosted an auction to sell their Lenin monument. All the proceeds will go to the city's budget.

 “The monument was erected 20 years ago. At first, it remained for some time on the territory of one of the military units in the city,” told director of Valdai's municipal economy Nina Panova in her interview to “Sobesednik.” “After the disbandment of the military unit, the monument was given to us. Soon however, it was considered obsolete. I was given orders to get rid of it to avoid troubles. Fortunately, I didn't do it! Nowadays, “Lenin” stands right by my window and attracts potential buyers.”

Panova's starting price for the monument is $10 000 USD. “Many people are willing to purchase my “Lenin”,” continues Panova. “I've got two businessmen from Moscow and three from St. Petersburg that are willing to buy it from me. They all want to place Vladimir Ilych Lenin at their dachas (country houses). We in turn would't mind getting paid and fulfilling the city's budget.”

Local communists however do not share such enthusiasm with the city's authorities. They continue calling Panova and asking her to keep the monument. Panova intends to continue with the auction.