Shadows of the Power Vertical in the Light of the Flames of the Lame Horse

The tragic fire that occurred in Perm over the weekend is not the kind of thing that is unique to Russia (as illustrated by a similar fire at a club in Rhode Island several years ago).  But it is far more common there than elsewhere: the death rate from fire in Russia is approximately ten times that in the US.

The fire has, not surprisingly, led to calls from the highest level for a tightening of fire codes and fire enforcement:

President Dmitry Medvedev on Saturday demanded Russia tighten its notoriously lax fire codes after the deadliest blaze since the Soviet era killed at least 107 people celebrating in a nightclub with a decorative twig ceiling and single exit.

. . . .

President Dmitry Medvedev on Saturday demanded Russia tighten its notoriously lax fire codes after the deadliest blaze since the Soviet era killed at least 107 people celebrating in a nightclub with a decorative twig ceiling and single exit.

The (perverse) irony, of course, is that tightening fire codes and enforcement will only create increased opportunities for corruption.

Don't believe me?  Well, maybe you'll believe Putin, who of all people recognizes that Russia is on the hamster wheel from hell:

"We are in a vicious circle. When you give more rights to controlling bodies you get corruption. As soon as the burden is eased you get negligence and cost optimisation, first of all on safety," Putin said.

True, that.  As succinct a synopsis of the futility of "power verticals" as could be imagined, from the mouth of their most stalwart advocate.  But do you think that he will follow this flash of insight to its logical conclusion?

Nah, me neither.