Good afternoon, Mr. president. My name is Artyom Baranov. Thank you very much for your warm words, for joining us in our celebration, and congratulating us on the 85^th anniversary of our plant. Today, at the volunteers’ forum, someone asked you if you are going to run for president, and you said that if the people want you to, then you would. Everyone in this audience, without exception, supports you. Mr. president, do us a favor. Announce your decision now. After all, we are for you. GAZ is for you.

It was straight out of the Soviet playbook; the efficient and patriotic assembly of talented industrial workers asking the longtime statesman to continue his national service. Performing his part with humility, Vladimir Putin recognized his duty to keep serving and accepted the kind invitation.