The "People's Referendum of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation" (CPRF) is resonating significantly in the Republic of Tyva as campaign efforts intensify. Active initiatives include signature collection, distribution of the informational bulletin titled "Republic," and visible agitation in the courtyards of Kyzyl. As of March 26, 2025, nearly 3,000 signatures have been amassed in favor of CPRF initiatives, reflecting a robust engagement with issues that resonate deeply with the public.
Among the pivotal topics being addressed by the referendum are the control of rising prices, the nationalization of housing and communal services, the cancellation of recent pension reforms, the introduction of a law recognizing the rights of the "Children of War," and the demand for direct elections for the mayor of Kyzyl. These issues are not just policy points; they represent key concerns affecting the daily lives and futures of the citizens in the region. Batyi Tamdyn-ool, First Secretary of the Tuva Regional Committee of the Komsomol of the Russian Federation, remarked, "We cannot remain indifferent. Although not all of us have joined the party yet, we fully support these initiatives and have mobilized to spread awareness and explain these critical issues to the public. Together with our party, we are committed to this campaign."
The CPRF's move to galvanize public support through the People's Referendum is part of a broader strategy unfolding across Russia, where approximately 500,000 citizens have participated in these votes, indicating overwhelming public backing of over 90% for various initiatives proposed by the party. Particularly noteworthy is the momentum building in the Novosibirsk region, where the campaign for the nationalization of the housing and communal services system is capturing significant attention. This focus has propelled it into the national discourse, becoming a focal point of the referendum.
Reported on March 25, 2025, by Ivan Stagis, core aspects of the referendum include proposals for nationalizing the housing and communal services, abolishing the increase in the retirement age, implementing a federal law supporting "Children of War," limiting price increases, reinstating direct elections, and stopping the dissolution of rural councils. The enthusiasm surrounding this campaign is palpable, particularly as it responds directly to long-standing public dissatisfaction with the management of housing and communal services.
The efforts in Novosibirsk have already yielded substantial results, with over 28,000 signatures accumulated to date. Remarkably, in just the past week, 24 pickets were organized that gathered 2,213 signatures alone, underscoring the growing grassroots support for these initiatives. Campaign organizer and CPRF Legislative Assembly member Roman Yakovlev remarked on the widespread concern among citizens regarding the housing and communal sector. He stated, "This is a testament to the public's preoccupation with the current situation in housing and communal services and their involvement in seeking a solution. This topic has gained federal-level attention, and the support for our proposed measures is at over 95% among voters. There is no doubt the campaign will continue to gain momentum since housing and communal services remain a critical topic, and our proposal of nationalizing these industries will give us the control needed to manage tariffs and improve the quality and transparency of municipal services. We aim to correct the mistakes of the 1990s."
The weekend's activities included 15 pickets, with another 15 planned for the week ahead, demonstrating the relentless effort of party members and supporters to mobilize public opinion. Valery Sinenko, First Secretary of the Zaeltsovsky local branch of the CPRF, noted the increasing engagement from citizens in the surveys being conducted. He stated, "Interest is growing among those wishing to participate in the referendum by signing up. We are at the beginning of this process and plan to accelerate our activities further." This dedication to engaging with the community reflects a concerted effort to build a platform for the CPRF’s proposals which seek to transform fundamental aspects of daily life for many residents.
As the People's Referendum campaign continues to unfold, it highlights a substantial engagement between citizens and political processes. The CPRF’s orchestrated efforts are not merely about gathering signatures; they are about addressing concerns deeply rooted in the fabric of Russian society.
The issues at stake—including pension reform, housing costs, and democratic representation—are pivotal to the population of Tyva and the greater Russian context. In the coming weeks, the impact of the People's Referendum and the political discourse surrounding it are likely to shape public opinion and political landscapes not only in Tyva but throughout Russia.
