Russia’s Tele2 cancels ads rephrasing Medvedev’s quote on pensions

MOSCOW, Jun 9 (PRIME) -- Russian mobile operator T2 RTK Holding, working under the Tele2 brand, has rescinded a contract with advertising agency The Directors that used a rephrased quote by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in an advertisement, a spokesperson for the operator said Thursday.

The advertisement with a motto “Competitors, hold on there! Best wishes, good mood and strong health!” has been already removed from all carriers, the spokesperson said.

Tele2 is getting ready for a new tender to choose a new creative agency, but no deadlines have been set yet.

The quote was an allusion to Medvedev’s much-discussed speech to Crimean pensioners. The prime minister said that no decision to increase pensions had been made so far as the budget has no money. Medvedev also wished citizens of the peninsula strong health and good mood.

President Vladimir Putin said later that the prime minister’s words could have been taken out of context. The government is aimed at fulfilment of all social obligations and is looking for ways to support people, Putin said.

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