"The meaning behind the ministry [of happiness] is very deep and philosophical. Its focus is the human being, his or her mood, and whether the decisions made by authorities will help to ensure everyone's happiness," Matviyenko said, in an interview for Russia's NTV television channel.
"If we were to make one decision or another, they would first have to be screened, on whether or not things would be better for the person as a result of their adoption," she added, explaining the functioning of the existing agency in the United Arab Emirates.
Russia, the veteran politician noted, does not need to replicate the experience of the Gulf country directly, but leaders and lawmakers should take the positive philosophy behind the idea seriously. "It's not necessary to create [an actual] ministry of happiness, but it is worth thinking about the philosophy behind it, for legislative and executive authorities to bring it to life."
