Russia's Communist Party (KPRF) has invited Gerard Depardieu, French actor of Russian citizenship, to join the political party, and has already sent the actor an official letter on the issue.

      That decision was explained by secretary of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, Valeriy Rashkin, who told reporters that he had learned from Depardieu’s interview that the actor’s father was a Communist and Depardieu had a great respect for the man.

      "We are now waiting for his decision," added Rashkin, who also said Depardieu had not previously discussed the issue with the party.

      Depardieu received Russian citizenship on January 6 after Russian President used his personal authority to award it to him. The actor said his reason for leaving France was to protest the imposition by its Socialist President Francois Hollande of a 75 percent tax on the wealthiest earners.