A Day of Children's Associations has appeared in the Kirov Region.

      At today's meeting of the Legislative Assembly, a bill was considered to establish a new holiday in the Kirov region — Children's Associations Day. It was introduced by Governor Alexander Sokolov. This day is proposed to be celebrated on May 19, the date when the Day of Pioneering was celebrated during Soviet times.

      Deputies Albert Bikaluk and Vyacheslav Tsaryuk stated that they do not understand the purpose of introducing this holiday. According to Tsaryuk, the bill will not bring anything good for children; moreover, it will devalue other children's holidays. Bikaluk criticized the authorities of the Kirov region for their desire to introduce as many holidays as possible: "I believe the authors do not quite aim to create a holiday for children. In my opinion, this is a desire to show the federal leadership that the Kirov region is so accustomed to holidays that they are needed like a drug." The deputy added that the region is "low in income, high in alcoholism," yet no one forgets about holidays. He also expressed the opinion that if a holiday is to be organized for children, it should bring them something real — for example, free public transport rides.

      Senator from the Kirov region Vyacheslav Timchenko, who rarely speaks at plenary sessions, could not hold back this time. "Why do you offend the residents of the Kirov region so much?" he exclaimed, noting that our economy is not as bad as Bikaluk said. Timchenko wanted to argue about alcoholism, but he did not finish his remark.

      Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Roman Beresnev stated that he constantly communicates with voters, and none of them have ever complained about too many holidays. So, one more holiday won't hurt.

      Deputy Vladimir Ponaryev joked: "I just want to say — colleagues, don't take the Day of Pioneering away from Bikaluk and Tsaryuk. But I won't say it, as the committee recommended adopting the bill in two readings."

      In the end, the bill was adopted. 35 voted in favor, one against, and four abstained.