(03/10/10) -

Little Appetite for Stalingrad in Russia

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – A proposal to return the City of Volgograd to its former name of Stalingrad is not popular in Russia, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. Only 17 per cent of respondents support this idea, while 59 per cent oppose it.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – A proposal to return the City of Volgograd to its former name of Stalingrad is not popular in Russia, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. Only 17 per cent of respondents support this idea, while 59 per cent oppose it.

Stalin was the second leader of the Soviet Union, taking over after the death of Vladimir Lenin in 1924. Stalin was responsible for a series of repressive campaigns—known as the Great Purge—during the 1930s. During his tenure, Stalin eliminated all possible political opposition through executions and internal exile.

Following the victory of the allies in World War II, the Soviet Union was established as one of the world’s superpowers. Stalin remained in control of the government and the Soviet Communist Party until his death in 1953. His successor, Nikita Khrushchev, officially denounced Stalin’s personality cult and repression in 1956.

Volgograd was founded in 1589 and retained its name until April 1925, when it became Stalingrad. In 1961, when Khrushchev served as leader of the Soviet Communist Party, Stalingrad became Volgograd.

Last month, Lev Ponomarev, head of the organization For Human Rights, criticized the plan of the Moscow government to feature posters of Stalin during the Victory Day celebrations next May, saying, "A public billboard with a glorification of Stalin is unacceptable. There will most definitely be protest demonstrations. And we will not only be participating in them, but instigating them. This is a step by city authorities that will evoke opposition throughout society."

Polling Data

Would you support or oppose returning the name Stalingrad to the City of Volgograd?