Fake Russian Politician Gains Fame for Slapstick Solutions to Local Problems

In the Far East Russian town of Ussuriysk, a former journalist has launched a satirical project to poke fun at local authorities’ inability to respond to citizens’ problems.

Meet Vitaly Nalivkin, a fake politician who solves Ussuriysk’s very real problems.

Nalivkin’s slapstick solutions — such as installing air fresheners around town to improve air quality — are less about their effectiveness than they are about highlighting authorities’ lack of action.

His page already has more than 30,000 followers.

While the project is popular among Ussuriysk residents, the local authorities likely aren’t among Nalivkin’s loyal viewers.