Just as concerned Kyiv citizens were planning the Saturday rally in the social network, to protect the Peizazhna Alley [a public, mostly children’s, scenic park in the old part of Kyiv, laid out where the ancient ramparts had been leveled out], Arsenii Yatseniuk’s Front for Change put up the so-called information tents alongside the alley, where people could sign a letter of protest against the construction project there. Kyiv City State Administration’s press service, meanwhile, invited Kyivites to join Mayor Oleksandr Popov’s campaign to protect the alley and take part in a rally that was to take place practically at the same time as the concerned citizens’ apolitical one. The concerned citizens decided to gather half an hour earlier than scheduled, saying their rally had nothing to do with any political force. In the end, several rallies took place at the Peizazhna Alley on Saturday. While a message of protest was being signed (totaling over 1,500 signatures), Mayor Oleksandr Popov was planting saplings alongside the alley, posing for media cameras. Many of those who took part in the rallies believe this was another election campaign stunt, and that the Peizazhna Alley offered an ideal setting, adding that the alley has been protected against the developers, after all. The rallies were aimed at keeping the Peizazhna Alley intact. “Let them enjoy their campaign stunts. They have already shown what they are all about. In fact, the more ado about this, the better for all of us,” writes Ihor Lutsenko, saveoldkyiv.org coordinator, one of the Saturday rallies’ organizer.
