André Glucksmann on Russia's infectious disease

The corruption in Russia could easily spread beyond its borders, which is why we must support the advance of democracy in Russia, writes the French philosopher André Glucksmann in the left-liberal daily El País: "The wealth of oil and gas hasn't brought re-industrialisation to Russia. The middle class is given just enough while the immense fortunes are invested abroad. ... Where does this legendary wealth that is not invested in Russia end up? It comes to us. In the hands of the despots and oligarchs who willingly serve this wealth. The corruption is turning into an infectious disease and Putinism a pox epidemic that knows no boundaries. ... We should have the courage to look the Russian disease in the face. Without the freedom to examine or criticise, without the power of information or expression that escapes the authority of the authorities there are no limits to the destructive power of post-modern corruption. In the 20th century we faced the choice between totalitarianism or democracy. Today the choice is: democracy or corruption. The Russians have begun to raise this issue. And we would do well to listen to them."

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