(KAZAN, TATARSTAN) – A significant dispute regarding language rights and regional autonomy has erupted within the parliament of Tatarstan. Dozens of regional deputies expressed profound anger after a deputy minister of culture delivered a presentation entirely in the Russian language. The official was briefing the parliament on preparations for a celebration honoring the esteemed Tatar national poet Gabdulla Tuqay. The presentation slides and all selected quotes were exclusively in Russian, prompting immediate outrage from lawmakers who demanded to know why the Tatar language was excluded and why bilingual slides were not utilised to show basic respect. Ukrainian political commentator Anna…
