gerard-depardieu-can-stay-in-russia

The French president François Hollande who is currently in Russia on official visit has said that he does not disapprove of Gerard Depardieu's change of citizenship.
The event that saw Depardieu acquiring the Russian passport happened in the aftermath of the draconian embellishment law that could see the affluent French heavily taxed (up to 75%). Although the law was subsequently turned down, Depardieu was apparently too far along the way of becoming a Russian citizen to refuse such golden opportunity. The process was too swift for Russians' liking, for the President used his personal authority whereby the passport was issued within days, not weeks or even months as it happens when a less ordinary mortal applies for one.
Asked to comment on Depardieu's decision, Mr Hollande stated that he did not find much fault with it. Speaking on air at the Echo of Moscow radio, he said: "Everyone has their own role. I am the President, and Gerard Depardieu is an artist in his own right, a very well-known person. His rules of life are not fit for every average citizen and are incomparable to those of the President of the French Republic. I am convinced that the President of Russia has made a decision that does not intervene with our interests. If Gerard has decided to leave France, let him do so. If Gerard loves Russia so much, and Russia loves Gerard Depardieu so much, then this is explicable. Nevertheless Gerard Depardieu loves France, too, where he has been recognised as one of its greatest actors".
Meanwhile, the official and public reception of the arrival of a new Russian citizen could not be more different. Depardieu has been heartily welcomed in the Republics of Udmurt and Chechnya where he received lavish presents. He owns two spacious flats, already published his cooking book in Russian and spoke up on the shortcomings of the Russian opposition. The Communist Party of Russia, upon learning that Depardieu's father was a Communist, sent the actor a welcoming letter suggesting him to join the ranks (Depardieu has not responded yet). However, the public attitude was marred by the President's involvement. Many people believe that Depardieu's citizenship has been used as yet another manoeuvre in trying to distract Russian people from pressing problems.