On December 21, 2023, Vologda witnessed the inauguration of a monument dedicated to Joseph Stalin, marking the revival of his controversial legacy within the region. The event has garnered significant attention, as chants of support and opposition echoed among locals. Stalin lived in Vologda for approximately four months during 1911-1912, and the house where he resided is now part of the "Vologda Exile" museum.
The proposal for erecting the statue originated from the regional branch of the Communist Party, gaining momentum through the support of the local government led by Governor Georgiy Filimonov. This initiative, according to Filimonov, aims to acknowledge Stalin's role as an integral part of Russia's history, stating, “The history of the state is monolithic; it cannot be edited by selective interests.”
At the monument's opening, Alexander Morozov, Communist Party representative, expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing Stalin's significant contributions to the establishment of the Soviet Union and the victory during World War II. He thanked Filimonov for backing the party's initiative, underscoring the importance of honoring historical figures even when opinions on them are divided. The event doubled as the XXII report-conference of the Vologda regional branch of the Communist Party, which added gravity to the occasion as delegates attended the monument's opening.
Despite the celebration among supporters, the monument's inauguration has raised eyebrows among Vologda's residents. Many voiced their discontent, questioning the merits of honoring a figure whose regime was marked by repression and political purges. This sentiment reflects the broader national discourse on how to reconcile Russia's Soviet past with contemporary values.
Local resident Natalia Petrovna mentioned, “I believe we should acknowledge our history, but we cannot glorify someone responsible for so much suffering.” Criticism and support for the monument have sparked debates across social media platforms, with different factions claiming Stalins’s legacy based on their ideological leanings.
This monument not only serves as a reminder of Stalin's historical presence but also highlights the enduring divide among Russians over the interpretation of their past. The gathering included various speeches, patriotic songs, and even video displays recounting Stalin’s historical significance, attempting to connect the dots between past leaders and the current socio-political climate.
The duality of dedication and discontent is palpable as Vologda joins a handful of cities reexamining Stalin's legacy through public monuments. The stark divisions among citizens reflect the greater struggle within Russian society as it seeks to navigate its complex history and the stories of those who shaped it, whatever their methods.
Supporters of the monument argue for the importance of remembering leaders who contributed to the country’s wartime efforts, whereas opponents call for the acknowledgment of the darker aspects of Stalin's rule. This monumental erection stands as much for revitalizing appreciation for historical figures as it does for the continuous ideological battle over the narrative of Russia's Stalin-era history.
The discussion surrounding the memorialization of Stalin and other controversial figures remains potent not just for Vologda but for Russia as it aims to define its identity and values moving forward.
