Economist Podcasts Landed, in trouble: Alexei Navalny returns to Russia
Jan 18, 2021
Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, discusses the dramatic return of opposition leader Alexei Navalny to Moscow and the political tensions that ensue. Navalny faces immediate arrest, reflecting the precarious state of dissent in Russia. Meanwhile, Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief, analyzes Armin Laschet's election as CDU leader and its broader implications for Germany's political landscape post-Merkel. They also touch on a cultural debate over film classifications, spotlighting the misclassification of the acclaimed film 'Minari'.
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Navalny's Diverted Flight
- Alexei Navalny's return flight to Moscow was diverted to a different airport.
- This was to prevent a large crowd of supporters from greeting him, a scene the Kremlin wanted to avoid.
Navalny's Arrest
- Upon arrival, Navalny held a brief press conference, stating he was unafraid as truth was on his side.
- He was then arrested at passport control without a given reason.
Navalny's Motivation
- Navalny returned to Russia despite the risk of arrest because he is a politician who must fight for power domestically.
- He believes truth is on his side, especially after surviving the poisoning and exposing the plot.