One of the most popular figures in the Orthodox Church, he died at the age of 65. A writer and poet, he was among those who championed Putin and the war in Ukraine, but was disliked by Patriarch Kirill. Pitirim became bishop of the capital of Komi in 1995, at the age of 34. His style was very popular for its informal communication, especially with young people. His odes were examples of Russia's “obedience to destiny”.
Gomboja Zandanshatar was elected after the resignation of Oyun-Erdene, who was ousted following strong youth protests in Ulan Bator. A former banker who studied in Russia and did research at Stanford, he will face serious economic challenges, including inflation, deficit and unemployment. ‘Budget review inevitable,’ he said. Tax reforms and restrictions on luxury consumption and high incomes have been announced.
Pentecost and ‘Russia Day’ fell just a few days apart. ‘Where are you, my Church?’ asked Father Andrej Misjuk bitterly, calling for a return to a faith that ‘does not tolerate lies, does not bless those who cannot be blessed, and once again sets out on the path that leads from Jerusalem to the Eternal.’ Meanwhile, in his new ‘Fable,’ Vladimir Sorokin recounts a post-apocalyptic world.
Only 42% of graduates from teacher training colleges go on to work in schools, and many teachers are leaving the profession. Disparities in pay between Moscow and the country's suburbs are a major factor, as is the increasingly ideological approach of the entire education system.
New data from the International Labour Organisation and UNICEF indicate a drop of 22 million child workers in four years. However, 138 million children remain trapped in this scourge, particularly in agriculture and the informal economy. Expert Insaf Nizam, who spoke to AsiaNews, highlighted the role of economic growth, warning of the dangers of inequality and family responsibilities.
The prime minister ousted by parliament had promoted a New Recovery Policy to make Mongolia independent from the mining industry interests. Despite economic growth and the reduction of public debt, his government has had to face growing criticism, triggered by the luxury flaunted by his son on social media. Now a new phase of political uncertainty has opened for the country nestled between Russia and China.
