Authorities of Adygea distance themselves from solving entrepreneurs' problems

In the city of Maykop, the capital of Adygea, entrepreneurs have complained of a difficult financial situation due to termination of trade and absence of authorities' support during the pandemic. In its turn, the republic's Ministry of Economic Development has explained that local officials cannot include traders from the clothing marketplace into the list of coronavirus victims, compiled by the federal government.

A video appeal by the traders from the "Cheryomushki" marketplace to the head of Adygea was posted on May 26 on the "yuga4u" YouTube channel. At least 20 people are present in the 30-second-long video. One of the women in the video said that entrepreneurs had not been trading for two months, but received no financial help from the authorities.

"We, individual entrepreneurs of the "Cheryomushki" marketplace, have not been working since March 28 and receive no subsidies as victims. We are not on the list of those who need support in connection with the COVID-19. We hereby ask you to revise the criteria for the victims of the forced suspension of activities," said the woman.

Today, Ibragim Bilimgotov, the deputy minister of economic development of Adygea, met the authors and heroes of the video. This was reported to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Tamara Nepshekueva, the deputy head of the Department of Industry, Fuel and Energy Complex and Trade Ministry of Economic Development of Adygea. According to her story, during the meeting with traders, "all the problems have been resolved."

Another source from the ministry told the "Caucasian Knot" that the authorities understand the situation of entrepreneurs, but cannot independently expand the lists of victims, as this is the prerogative of the Russian government.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 29, 2020 at 08:39 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.