Grozny residents criticize motto "Akhmat is power" at entrance to the city

Grozny has opened a new entrance arch from the side of the city of Argun. Residents of Chechnya reacted sceptically to the inscription "Akhmat is power" that crowns the arch.

The arch opening was timed to the Grozny City Day. The head of Chechnya and other officials, who took part in the ceremony, contrary to Ramzan Kadyrov's instructions were without medical masks.

Some YouTube users have doubted the aesthetic value of the inscription.

"It's the most primitive personality cult! It has nothing Chechen! The personality cult is nonsense; it cannot be motivation for selfless and good deeds!" said Arkhimed Apollon.

The Grozny townspeople, interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, were also sceptical about the inscription.

"It all started with the chant 'Akhmat is power!', but now this phrase has acquired some sacred meaning for our authorities," said Ibragim, a former employee of a republic's agency.

"I've always treated it as childish, when adult men, leaders, shout in chorus 'Akhmat is power!' at mass events. It looks frivolous," said Roza.