Photo/Illutration An elderly communist supporter holds the red flag that used to fly over the Soviet Union while she waits near the Kremlin Wall in Moscow’s Red Square to lay flowers at the grave of Soviet leader Josef Stalin at his mausoleum on the 142nd anniversary of his birth on Dec. 21, 2021. (AP Photo)

“Good Bye, Lenin!” is a 2003 German tragicomedy film that portrays people’s wavering expectations for a free society after the collapse of the oppressive socialist regime so long in place behind the Iron Curtain.

A former East German cosmonaut, a national hero, ends up working as a taxi driver. Noting a look of surprise on his passenger’s face, he says: “I know what you are thinking. But I am not who you think I am.”

This is his way of asking his fare not to talk about the past.

Job losses are a recurring theme in this film. Banknotes from the socialist era turned into worthless pieces of paper in no time.

Many East Germans experienced bitter disappointment. But for Russian citizens, what awaited them was profound despair.

The Soviet system collapsed on Dec. 25 exactly 30 years ago. Before long, Russia was plagued by rampant corruption and unemployment, not to mention a whopping 1,000-percent-plus hyperinflation.

That experience set the foundation for the longevity of the administration headed by Vladimir Putin, which focused on recovery from the chaos.

But the administration today imprisons dissidents ruthlessly and holds “elections” in name only. What difference is there from the Soviet-era oppression? 

In fact, Putin says liberalism has become obsolete.

It was once said that free economies and democracy had finally prevailed. But that now feels like a very long time ago.

All that’s been proven is that merely ending oppression does not mean freedom or democracy take root. There needs to be a system, along with capable people, to ensure fair management of the economy, as well as multiple, well-established political parties.

A solid house cannot be built on shaky foundations. And that applies also to the present house that is barely holding up.

The past 30 years have taught us of the value and fragility of freedom and democracy.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 25   

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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