(27 May 1996) English/Nat
A huge statue of the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II, has been unveiled just outside Moscow.
Nicholas II was one of the least popular Russian Tsars. But now, as many Russians look back nostalgically to the days of strong leadership, he is being revered by some as a hero.
This week marks the hundredth anniversary of his coronation, and a large crowd of monarchist supporters turned out for the ceremony.
Some two thousand people carrying imperial flags and religious icons made their way across a muddy field for the blessing of the massive bronze sculpture of Tsar Nicholas II.
The statue's sculptor wanted to place it right outside the Kremlin gates in the centre of Moscow - but he was turned down by the authorities.
Instead the sculpture has found a home in Taininskoye, a small village Nicholas once visited.
At the ceremony was his last remaining descendants, Grand Duchess Leonida, who lives abroad.
Also there: the head of Yeltsin's administration, Nikolai Yegorov who applauded the statue as proof of the great changes which have taken place in Russia over the past five years.
The crowd sang "God save our gracious Tsar."
Many Russians are now fondly remembering the days of strong leadership. Nicholas II, once reviled, is now being re assessed.
SOUNDBITE:
"Today, given the predicament of Russia, again people are looking for a strong leader. There's so much lawlessness in the country, there's so much crime, so much corruption that people are looking for a person that will impose law and order in the land."
SUPER CAPTION: Viktor Linnik - former editor of "Pravda"
And many regard Boris Yeltsin as just such a leader.
On the campaign trail for next month's presidential elections, Yeltsin projected himself as a man of the people, approachable and friendly, but still in firm control.
A political analyst in Moscow says this paternal image appeals to the Russian voters.
SOUNDBITE:
"A good father, a loving father, who can bring some presents to his kids, who can really help them out from a difficult situation. And that works because unfortunately the majority of the Russians are still in the condition when they want a father."
SUPER CAPTION: Viktor Kremenyuk - Deputy Director USA-Canada Institute
Boris Yeltsin is unlikely to meet the same end that Nicholas II and his family did.
They were executed by communists in 1918 soon after the Bolsheviks came to power.
But Yeltsin's fate rests to a large extent on the Russian people and whether they will allow the communists back in power on June 16.
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