The following is an exclusive translation of an interview by Boris Akunin (Grigory Shalvovich Chkhartishvili) of Alexei Navalny was published on his LiveJournal page.

Conversation with a Politician

First Part: Taking the bull by the horns

Aleksei Navalny is the most exciting political figure of recent times. More specifically, he is the only authentic politician in Russia today. Nevertheless, many view him differently, some admire him, and others hate him. Some are very critical, while others are perplexed. My opinion of Aleksei Navalny  has evolved in a typical manner. At first, I thought he was simply wonderful, because he has this great story- A young lawyer goes out on his own, and while keeping within the law defies corruption, leaving the huge system cowering, with its tail between its legs

A huge turning point for me however, was his taking part in the “Russian March”. Is this guy a nationalist? Or an unprincipled populist? Perhaps he’s simply soft in the head? If that’s true, any increase in his popularity could be dangerous.  I look at this young politician thinking that, just like Bulgakov’s Sharik, “this owl must be explained”.

During the preparations for the meeting we got to know each other and I suggested that we have a public conversation. We would write to each other- a method of communication with much history, and I had experience of it also as roughly three years ago I tried to “explain” Mikhail Khodorkovsky. And here is our conversation. Read it and make up your own mind. It’s divided into three parts, what has been, what will be and what soothes the heart. As I’m truly interested in your opinions and reactions I will answer all your commentaries.