A scandal erupted in the Penza region after a statement by the mayor of Penza, Alexander Basenko. He suggested postponing the installation of memorial plaques in honor of SVO soldiers at schools, Kommersant writes. Basenko noted that he respects the participants in the special military operation, but, in his opinion, it is necessary to take care of the children’s psyche and not create “necropolises” from the walls of schools.
“A large number of memorial plaques on the buildings of educational institutions can negatively affect the psyche of schoolchildren. These are primarily educational institutions where children from seven years old study,” Basenko explained. He suggested installing memorial plaques after the completion of the SVO.
However, the mayor’s initiative was not appreciated in the State Duma. For example, the head of the Duma Committee on Family Protection, Issues of Fatherhood, Motherhood and Childhood, Nina Ostanina, called the official “a pampered ‘patriot’.” “Or maybe <…> Is it better to forget about the dead altogether? <…> Why are there memorial plaques, because the dead will no longer see them?” — the deputy wrote on Telegram. According to her, children should be “reminded that a former school student defended their right to study, enjoy life, fall in love, and have children.”
In turn, State Duma deputy Alexander Khinshtein also reacted. He also published a post on his Telegram channel. “I consider the position of the head of Penza unacceptable and incorrect,” wrote Khinshtein, calling the perpetuation of the memory of heroes, as well as patriotic education, one of the most important state tasks. According to Khinshtein, the governor of the Penza region should intervene in the matter and “correct” Basenko.
Source: Rosbalt
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