May 01, 2007

Looking for Connections


No less than six mayors of major Russia cities – Vladivostok, Togliatti, Volgograd, Tomsk, Arkhangelsk and Stavropol – are sitting in jail awaiting trial. Charges vary – “abuse of power,” “illegal allotment of land plots,” “theft of municipal property” – but most all are the fallout of turf and purse-string battles between governors and mayors. Governors (appointed) seek to dictate to mayors (elected) and want access to the huge government outlays which are bestowed on large cities. 

If impatient governors can’t get what they want through straightforward arm-twisting (particularly difficult when dealing with a politico from another party), they will resort to what has become a common Plan B: sick prosecutors on the mayor. In a system with confusing and convoluted laws, something can always be pinned on everyone.

The spate of criminal prosecutions and the lumbering national anti-corruption bandwagon – this pre-election-year’s theme – have led some to see this as an orchestrated campaign to do away with the direct election of mayors. If so, it could be the final link in the Kremlin’s ever-lengthening Vertical of Power. 


Digital Subscription Required

Get unlimited digital access for just $2 a month.

Don't have an account? signup

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955