Andrei Vorobiov
Oil on canvas
25x30cm
"I want people to feel supported and socially protected by the state. 30% of our population live below the poverty line ... My daughter is 8 ... she loves her motherland"
Andrei Vorobiov
(In his thirties. Currently a member of President's Putin's party 'dinaia Rossia' or 'United Russia')
We first meet at his office at the party headquarters. It's a spacious room with a grand table in the middle and a desk to one side of the room. On the desk there was a crystal vase with a few fresh flowers, a portrait of his daughter to right of it, and an icon of Jesus Christ and a portrait of president Putin to left of it.
He met me at a desk topped with computer and papers, then led me to the big round table in the middle of the room. He looks curious but casual: 'confidence and faith in the right choice of the future of the country' would describe his entire appearance.
We agree for the modelling to take place in his cabinet in the Russia's Federal Council, where I meet him next. It's a busy office with deputies of different nationalities coming in and out, discussing the agendas, voicing their needs. An extremely warm and friendly secretary with luminous blond hair and prominent make up makes sure we all get our cookies and tea, and that the burning issues of far away regions of Russia find their way onto Mr A.Vorobiev's desk.
"I was born in Siberia on the banks of the Enisey River.
I've lived in Moscow now for 10 years. I studied at the Krasnoyarsk Institute of Economics and qualified to become an International Marketing Economist. My interest was to develop business ties of my region, the far east of Russia, and the international economy.
Thirty years of experience brought me into politics. I got involved with a lot of social work, and became the head of a support fund for “One Russia'. I travel a lot to various regions, all over Russia. I know how people live there, I have seen it for myself. Our fund provides help and support to children and older people. I know what is necessary to make Russia take its prominent position in the world.
Right now I represent Adegeya, which is in Krasnoyarsk region. Although I have never lived in that region, I do go there a lot - I understand the needs of these people. I like to live here in this country. I want Russia to become democratic, I want it to have social security. My motives are not materialistic, I want to make a true, real contribution to the processes of improvement in our country; to provide support and stability.
I want people to feel supported and socially protected by the state. 30% of our population are living below the poverty line in this country: our party aims to cut that down. Our whole agenda is to fight poverty!! We must also improve the fighting efficiency of our army. I wouldn't like to go back to Krasnoyarsk as I like the standard of living in Moscow and I have my friends here.
My daughter is 8 years old, she loves her motherland.
"