Abramovich "mbinafsi"

ngoshwe

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Mar 31, 2009
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Mayor of Moscow slams Abramovich ‘self-interest’



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Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov(R)


Roman Abramovich’s purchase of Chelsea was ‘patronage for one’s own profit’, says billionaire’s husband


In a clear case of the pot attacking the kettle for its dark hue, Russian billionaire and owner of Chelsea Roman Abramovich has been attacked by a senior politician in his homeland for "self-interested patronage".


The oligarch was accused by Yuri Luzhkov, the mayor of Moscow and husband of billionairess Yelena Baturina, in front of an audience of young Muscovites that also included Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.


"When Abramovich buys Chelsea it is not the kind of good deed that is essential for our spiritual atmosphere," Luzhkov (above) said. "It is self-interested patronage for one's own profit and that kind of good deed is alien to us."


The patriarch then appeared to endorse the mayor, saying that "the names of people with colossal fortunes were mentioned today. But I do not know whether they feed ten people each day". He went on to suggest that businesses should be more aware of their impact on society as a whole.


It is not the first time that Luzhkov has attacked Abramovich. The latter's purchase of Chelsea was described by the mayor as being akin to him "spitting on Russia". The bad blood between the two is believed to date back to Vladimir Putin's victory in the 2000 presidential election. Luzhkov had coveted the role, but the Chelsea owner's support for Putin helped him win in the first round.


The mayor could also be rabble-rousing for political reasons, as a campaign has begun in Moscow that is seeking to kick Luzhkov out after 17 years in the highly influential post. One of the movers behind the campaign is claiming to have Abramovich's support.


A spokesman for the billionaire dismissed the assault on his reputation, saying that most would agree that "when Mr Abramovich and his companies spent $2.5 billion rebuilding houses, schools, hospitals, churches and infrastructure in Chukotka... it was very much the 'kind of good that is essential for our spiritual atmosphere".

The spokesman continued: "Mr Abramovich quietly gives millions and millions of dollars to charities in Russia each year so in reality he's just the kind of businessman Mr Luzhkov says is needed."
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source: The First Post
 

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