俄罗斯远东地区爆发罕见反政府集会，民众抗议莫斯科掠夺人民的增税计划！

Core Viewpoint - A rare anti-government protest occurred in Vladivostok, Russia, with approximately 400 citizens opposing the upcoming increase in the waste utilization tax, which will raise the prices of imported used cars from Japan, causing significant discontent among the local population [1][3]. Group 1: Economic Impact - Vladivostok is a crucial port city in the Russian Far East and a major hub for Japanese used car imports, with about one-sixth of its population engaged in automotive-related industries [3]. - The waste utilization tax is a fee that importers must pay for each imported vehicle, and the Russian government plans to significantly increase this tax rate, leading to higher costs for imported used cars that will ultimately be passed on to consumers [3]. - The increase in costs associated with the waste utilization tax will add to the financial burden of local residents who rely on Japanese imported vehicles [3]. Group 2: Public Sentiment and Response - Protesters at the rally held signs and chanted slogans such as "Stop plundering the wealth of the people," demanding the government abolish the waste utilization tax and reduce car import duties [3]. - Activist Maxim Kriknov stated that the government's actions effectively deprive citizens of their right to access high-quality Japanese vehicles, highlighting the public's frustration with the policy [3]. Group 3: Political Context - The protest took place against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, during which the Russian government has largely prohibited anti-war demonstrations and criticism of the government [4]. - The fact that this protest was allowed under special permission from local authorities, despite strict limitations on the number of participants and the location, indicates the depth of public discontent regarding the tax policy [4].