Meet Russia’s Weirdest Regional Governor. He Could Become the New Norm.

Kremlin has increasingly appointed officials with local roots but sufficient experience in federal institutions not to be considered potential risks. Georgy Filimonov quickly became known both inside and outside of his region for his firebrand ultraconservatism and his escalating conflict with Alexei Mordashov, the owner of the region’s largest employer, Severstal. He restricted alcohol sales to two hours a day; proposed banning abortions in the region; oversaw the expansion of Vologda’s airport in the style of an Orthodox cathedral. He also backed the introduction of political propaganda classes — “Important Conversations” — in kindergartens. His career has been greatly helped by his personal links to Putin and one of his daughters. He was involved in the invasion of Ukraine and was an early supporter of the pro-Putin umbrella organization All-Russian People’s Front and All-Putin Front. Like many of his predecessor, he took most of his economic development ideas from his most trusted colleagues from his previous offices.

Source: Themoscowtimes.com  |  Read full article