Becoming a Russian Oligarch After Rebirth
Chapter 779 Propaganda Offensive_1

Chapter 779: Chapter 779 Propaganda Offensive_1

It must be said, Khodorkovsky and Rilinov were a golden duo.

Each had their own advantages and strengths and they complemented each other.

If their ambitions hadn’t been so high, if they had aimed merely for some Duma seats, they might have had a chance.

Even if ambitious, their potential to become the fourth major faction, maybe even squeezing into the top three, could have happened.

Unfortunately, Khodorkovsky’s ambitions were too grand, his steps too large, and he had set his eyes on the position at the Kremlin...

This inevitably led to conflicts with the currently ruling First Faction.

Both sides are in an awkward situation where neither can back down easily, a fight to the death is inevitable. This is key to why Wang Ye could not support Khodorkovsky.

But Khodorkovsky did not see it that way.

He felt that his strong financial position, careful planning, combined with the ongoing economic issues in Russia, and the public’s dissatisfaction...

Isn’t this the best time for him to seize power!

"Right, I just transferred 500 million US dollars from one of my funds to the party’s account. This money will serve as the faction’s propaganda fund. We will buy up one year’s worth of time slots at major media TV Stations and arrange for our faction’s members to rotate in promoting our faction’s governing philosophy, pulling in votes and so forth. Since we are a new faction, we can’t be too lax. We must enter the election state in advance!" Khodorkovsky said.

Upon hearing this, Rilinov was pleasantly surprised.

Only an oligarch could be so generous!

million in election funds were available right off the bat, and this was just the first batch!

The reason he was willing to come back to aid Khodorkovsky, wasn’t really about any shared political ideologies, but because he knew Khodorkovsky was actually willing to use large sums of money for the election.

Working with a boss who is generous and wealthy would certainly make work easier.

"Alright, I’ll get my assistant to contact the major media outlets and discuss program buyouts. Or let them customize a few shows for us during prime time. In addition to interviews, we can also organize some philanthropy or even entertainment programs. This way, the publicity effects will be much better." Rilinov suggested.

Khodorkovsky waved his hand and said, "Just do as you see fit, anyway, we have the time and energy to do these things now. As you can see, a large majority of our faction’s members have not held public office, which may be a good thing because it gives us more time and energy to contribute to the election earlier. We’re more prepared than other factions."

About that, Rilinov remembered something. He glanced at Khodorkovsky, wanting to say something, but hesitation held him back.

Seeing his expression, Khodorkovsky was curious and asked, "What’s wrong? Any difficult issues?"

Rilinov gritted his teeth and decided to speak up,"I can’t wrap my head around why Mikhail chose to join forces with Grezlov against our faction. His nephew, Mikhail was fond of you and I have shown him much care. Could he really forget us for the sake of his benefits and stand with the first faction and the Kremlin?"

Rilinov was straightforward and spoke without reservation.

If it was someone else, they would probably choose not to mention this in front of Khodorkovsky, considering that it was a conflict between his uncle and nephew.

Khodorkovsky understood Rilinov’s character so he only smiled and said, "It doesn’t matter. Didn’t I mention that when we talked with Misha? In private, we’re still uncle and nephew, but in the political arena, we treat public affairs as they should be. After all, when we established our faction, we did dig up some of their members to join us. They’re entitled to express their dissatisfaction too."

Rilinov thought and agreed with Khodorkovsky, but he was still slightly displeased and said, "What faction of his? If it wasn’t for me stepping down years ago to make way for him, he’d be just another ordinary Duma Member now, let alone a Vice Speaker and Chairman of the Economic Committee."

Khodorkovsky decided not to comment on that and only comforted him by saying, "His situation is rather difficult too. On one hand, he has me, his uncle, and on the other hand, the dominant First Faction. Plus, as the leader of the Third Faction, he also has to consider the interest of his faction. It’s only natural for him and Grezlov to make a joint statement. I don’t blame him."

Rilinov was only venting, he probably wasn’t that angry at Wang Ye. After all, he was in politics for many years, he understood the complexities.

......

After the joint statement was released, Wang Ye hadn’t taken it to heart, nor did he seek to clarify things with Khodorkovsky.

Because he believed that Khodorkovsky would understand his position and wouldn’t let this affect their relationship.

It seemed as if things had just blown over, Khodorkovsky’s new faction didn’t poach any more members from the three major factions, and no one in the Duma had resigned to switch factions either.

But Wang Ye had a strange feeling that something was off...

One noon, while dining in the Duma Building’s restaurant, he sat in a corner with Rossiyana, chatting.

The restaurant is only open to Duma Members and people brought by the Members themselves. Even ordinary Duma employees are not allowed in.

Although Russia now claimed to be a democratic and free country, the rigid hierarchy was omnipresent. Each class had its own unspoken rules, their behavior deeply ingrained that it never changed.

Like in the Duma Building, everyone has specific rules about which office to use, how many assistants or secretaries a member should have, what level of security they should have, where they should eat during working hours, and more. They all have detailed and strict regulations.

Moreover, all of these expenses are borne by the country. The members do not have to pay a single dime!

Usually, not many members work in the Duma Building, except for those holding regular positions, such as serving in various committees. As for the rest, most would not stay.

A good number of members have other jobs, their own businesses, and some members even live abroad...

Except for a monthly routine meeting or other important meetings, they do not need to attend on a daily basis.

......

There were only a few people in the restaurant, a few very familiar committee members or vice speakers were sparsely seated.

After exchanging greetings, Wang Ye just sat down when he heard a familiar voice coming from the TV hanging on the wall next to him.