But as Russia launches into its ambitious large-scale privatization program, they are cynical and confused. Far from ready to invest in the future, they are just wondering were to pick their vouchers up.
"I have no idea what this piece of paper means", said Evelina Skvortsova, 54, a scientist at a suburban Moscow geophysics institute. "And what is 10, 000 rubles worth anyway? "
The family business, oil, is off limits. The five Skvortsovs say there is little information about what actually will be privatized and how they can get their share. and little of what is available is worth investing in, they argue.
"What are we supposed to buy, some prerevolutionary factory? " said Evelina's husband, Igor, 54, who has continued the family tradition as a scientist at the Institute of Geology and Combustible Fuels.
His son, Andrei, 31, a partner in an import-export firm, said he remembers visiting some factories "where they're still using equipment bought abroad in 1907".
Entertaining visitors in their spacious apartment in Moscow's famous House on the Embankment, the Skvortsovs said that they would not rush to pick up their vouchers, and that when they did, they would turn them over to Andrei, their business-minded son. For his part, Andrei said that he will wait to invest.
"I have no idea how you're supposed to figure out what to buy", he said. "I mean, do you go to a factory, meet the director and take a few notes? "
His 5-year-old son, Filipp, had a different idea. He shook his head when his father asked him if he wanted to use a voucher to buy his kindergarten.
"No", he said. "I want some bubble gum".
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.