— What style of clothing do you prefer?

It depends on the circumstances.

— What are you three most favourite books?

Remarque's Heaven Has No Favourites, Bunin's The Dark Alleys, and Pushkin's Eugene Onegin.

— What music do you listen to while driving?

Depends on my mood. I like classics, oriental music, chanson. Music that brings relaxation and boosts spirits.

— What are your favourite places in Moscow?

The theatres. I really love going to the theatre, cinema, concerts...

— Where do you like to recreate?

At home with my family, or in the mountains. I love having experiences. I go skiing in winter. And I'm very fond of Tashkent, my home city.

— What attracts and repels you in other people?

I'm an open-hearted person, so I'm attracted to the same sort of people. What repels me is discourtesy, disrespect...

— Is there anything you wanted to say to somebody but never did?

If I have something to say, I always say it.

— Alina, you were born and grew up in Tashkent. Do you think you are an Oriental woman to any extent?

Definitely. I'm proud of my origin and my Oriental upbringing; I was taught to be modest, to respect my parents. I was also taught to respect men. Respect but not worship. Generally, I think Oriental people are very wise and have a lot to learn from.

— You loathe solitude, don't you? But don't you get tired of the noise and the socialising?

To begin with, I can't say that I loathe solitude, though there are times when I want and really need to be left alone. As for the socialising, I'm indifferent to it. But I take pleasure in spending time with close friends.

— What moments in your life have shaped your character?

I think I was influenced by two things: family upbringing and sports. My mother taught me how to perceive problems, how to overcome difficulties, and how to appreciate every single day of my life. This helped me very much after I took the bronze in Sydney and after I was barred. It was really hard, I couldn't find myself... but I think it was largely owing to the way my mother brought me up that I managed to hold out. Gymnastics taught me not to lie on oars, to set new goals, and to achieve them. Irina Viner often told me that as soon as you leave the winner’s stand you have to start it all again, set a new goal for yourself and pursue it.

— Your name is mainly associated with rhythmic gymnastics. It was expected that you would logically continue your sports career as a coach. Have you renounced this option for good?

Of course, not. Sports in general, and rhythmic gymnastics in particular, are an integral part of not only my past life but my present and future as well. Whenever I get a chance, I visit important RG competitions; recently I opened the Yoldyz Tournament in Kazan. As for coaching, I'm planning to open my own School of Beauty and Grace in the future, where I'm going to be one of the instructors.

— What does you working day look like now?

The truth is that there are many things that keep me busy — the Duma, the Public Board of National Media Group, my charity foundation, and TV show. That's why every day is different. Sometimes I spend all day in the State Duma, when there are plenary sessions, for instance. On other days I work on the Public Board, meet experts, prepare for the filming, or spend time with the show guests. But every week I also try to find time for my family and some exercise.

— What about hobbies?

In fact, I don't have any specific hobbies. I like reading, sports, I enjoy spending time with my mother and sister. Also, we have a pet dog, a Maltese named Nicole. She is my sunshine.

— How did you get involved in politics?

When I was still a competing gymnast, many people asked me for help, but I couldn't always help them. As an MP, a politician, I have much more powers now, and it was one of my main considerations when I made the decision to run for the State Duma. Besides, it has always seemed natural for me not to rest on oars; having achieved a great deal in one area, I decided to pursue something new. I had always been concerned with sports and youngsters. So when I was offered to stand for the Duma election, I agreed. Certainly, I understood what a great responsibility it was, but on the other hand, it was also a great opportunity to help people, do interesting work, and continue serving my country in another capacity. I've never regretted the decision I made then. I love what I'm doing, and it works out.

— What do you find most difficult in being a politician?

Everything was hard at the start; I had to learn, read, and get accustomed to a lot of things. Generally, I think there's no shame in not knowing something. The point is one's desire to develop, to move forward, and to feel free to ask. Another problem is that sometimes it's emotionally draining — many people come to me with their issues, which can be quite complicated and really sad. Just recently, I held a surgery in Nizhnekamsk, my constituency, and it was painful to see some people's feelings... Such moments can be hard, because I would like to help everybody but I understand that my position obliges me to study each case thoroughly, listen to all parties, and observe all the procedures and legal requirements. Reason and heart struggle inside me every time...

— How far would you like to go in your political career?

I'm sure that a politician's «career» is measured by the number of constituents listened to and understood, the number of individual problems puzzled out and properly solved. Besides, my life is not limited to political activities; I'm the chair of the Public Board of National Media Group, the author and host of a series on REN TV, the president of a charity fund. And in all these activities, I focus on the results.

— What results have you achieved so far?

Speaking about my foundation, last spring we established a telephone hotline to consult high school leavers and college applicants on the subjects and the procedure of the Common State Exam. After the exams were over, the service was converted into a youth hotline, where one can consult a labour lawyer and a psychologist. Details can be found on my website, kabaeva-alina.ru. Another important achievement, I believe, is that the oncoming year has been announced the Youth Year in Russia. I'm happy that my proposal was supported by the majority of the State Duma and approved by the President. This is a very important development for me and, I hope, for all young people in our country, because this implies multiple dedicated projects. As for my legislative initiatives, I'm pushing forward amendments in various branches of law that would benefit young people and youth organisations.

— What do you think is the difference between women politicians and men politicians?

The main difference is in their number (laughing). But speaking seriously, there are matters that men know better and matters that women know better. But both can be efficient as politicians and achieve great results.

— What kind of young people do you like to deal with? Say, if you wished to recruit young people to work in your team, what would be your criteria?

Certainly, I like dynamic people who set goals and pursue them. People like myself. I think if you want to achieve something in this life, don't let the grass grow under your feet. You must work and then you'll achieve the desired result. In fact, this is the sort of people I have in my team and this is the sort of people I tell about in my TV series.

— Speaking about TV... Do you like today's television? What drastic changes would you make in it if you had the authority?

You know, I have a lot of questions to broadcasters. Why do they make so few educational, illuminative, values-oriented programmes? Why are they so addicted to sensationalism, glamour, crime, and violence? Why TV has nearly lost its educative function and journalists are forgetting about ethics so often? These were the questions I was thinking about when I agreed to head the NMG Public Board. I meet experts. I've done a survey together with the Russian Public Opinion Research Centre about young people's attitude to what they see on TV. And it turns out, they are actually fed up with violence, crime, consumerism, and celebrities. But unfortunately, they have no choice. Young adults say they lack informative, thoughtful, educational programming, good movies... I hope that, as a legislator and the chair of the Public Board, I can contribute to improving this situation. And my Steps to Success show is also my first step on this way.

— How do you feel hosting a TV show? What does this work give you?

It felt hard at the start. But, on the other hand, each of my guests and their lives arouse my curiosity. This show gives me an opportunity to show my audience that success is possible when you really want it, believe in luck, and work hard.

Yelizaveta Fyodorova

December 30, 2008

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