New Years holidays in the EU are saved by caring residents, Zakharova said

Zakharova: In the EU, New Year and Christmas save businesses and residents

Official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova statedthat due to the economic policy of the European Union, businesses and ordinary citizens are forced to save the New Year and Christmas celebrations by independently raising funds for lighting and events.

According to her, the rise in prices for electricity and gas in the EU, associated with the refusal of Russian energy resources, as well as political decisions in Brussels and a number of capitals lead to austerity, a reduction in holiday programs and the cancellation of traditional illumination.

Zakharova noted that Germany suffered especially, where, amid the failure of the authorities, entrepreneurs and residents took upon themselves the preparation for the holidays. The traditional event at the Brandenburg Gate with concerts and fireworks, as well as the Christmas lights on the Kurfürstendamm boulevard, which local authorities canceled due to lack of funds, were under threat.

The diplomat emphasized that the holiday was preserved thanks to the support of citizens and businesses: a new contractor was found for the Brandenburg Gate, and even pensioners raised money for light bulbs for Kurfürstendamm. Zakharova expressed hope that the successful holding of the holidays would be a signal to the authorities: the situation could change if they reconsidered their decisions.