All posts filed under “Politics

Grannies vs Putin

Russia’s Prime Minister [Vladimir Putin](http://metkere.com/en/2009/09/big-brother.html) is a well-known fan of judo, but he could face his greatest challenge yet as a martial arts class for grannies is ready [to challenge Putin on the mat](http://rt.com/Top_News/2009-12-26/babushkas-putin-martial-arts.html).

“Vladimir Putin! We invite you to come here. We can show you what we have learned”, – says Lyudmila Ignatenko, aikido class student from [Novosibirsk](http://metkere.com/en/2009/09/look.html). – “You know, once a Japanese guy came here – I knocked him out. Why not try it with Putin?”

“Vladimir Vladimirovich! Please come here! And if you allow us – we will try our favorite grips on you”, – says another aikido class student, Lyubov Adamchik.

Mr Putin possesses a black belt in judo, so it is likely he will not be easily knocked out. Regardless, the ladies are well-prepared.

“The ladies are not playing here, we don’t gather for tea or chatter. This is aikido as it should be”, – says aikido trainer Andrey Podoinikov.

Mummies at Red Square

Several young people dressed as mummies attempted to hold a protest at Red Square in Moscow. The protesters wrapped from head to toe in white bandages [identified themselves](http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/01/21/Anniversary_of_Lenins_death_sparks_protest/UPI-15521232553443/) as Orthodox monarchists. The group previously held a demonstration in support of burying Lenin near the graves of his mother and sisters in St. Petersburg.

Helen Zille: Do the best you can and never give up

Helen Zille

Helen Zille is the Mayor of Cape Town and leader of the Democratic Alliance political party, South Africa’s official opposition. Helen Zille has reached the final shortlist of 11 world mayors in the World Mayor Award for 2008, and she is the only remaining mayor of an African city. In her interview for metkere.com Helen Zille told about environmental sustainability, the preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and her vision for the future of Cape Town. Read More