News outlet in Russia’s Saratov region says local officials banned from wearing fur coats to meetings with residents
Officials in Russia’s Saratov region have been “strongly encouraged” not to wear fur coats or expensive leather clothing to events that are covered by the media, a local news outlet reported on Thursday, citing sources from the governor’s office.
Additionally, according to the sources, the officials have been instructed not to wear fur coats to meetings with residents.
One of the sources gave more detail about the instructions:
The lifestyles of Saratov officials should demonstrate modesty, simplicity, and restraint. The trend is plain jackets, insulated caps — [Governor] Roman [Busargin] should be given priority to wear this particular accessory — and knitted hats. Fur can only serve as a decoration, not as the dominant element of a garment. All of these things will show unity with the people, or at least proximity to them.
The Saratov governor’s press service denied the claims, saying officials in the region are required only to observe a business-appropriate dress code.