Press release, 27.09.2018

On September 27, deputy of the Pskov Legislative Assembly Lev Shlosberg (Yabloko faction) introduced a bill on the reintroduction of direct mayoral elections in Pskov and Velikie Luki for the third time.

Deputies of the regional parliament voted down the initiative twice (on 6 June 2017 and 25 January 2018). The United Russia faction voted against the bill while representatives of other parties supported it.

Deputies have the right to introduce a similar bill six months after the previous one was declined. Lev Shlosberg used this right.

Shlosberg explained the motive of his initiative during the session on 25 January:

“The introduction of the so called two branches system of local self-government in Pskov and Velikie Luki was politically motivated. This was part of the then governor’s plan to fight the mayors of Pskov and Velikie Luki. As a result, residents lost the right to elect mayors.

At the same time, residents of other municipal districts of the region exercise this right.

In my opinion, the governance system in Pskov and Velikie Luki has become ineffective, closed and nontransparent over the past few years. Corruption risk has increased to a great extent.

There is no way that the residents of Pskov and Velikie Luki can influence the election of mayors. As a result, heads of Pskov and Velikie Luki bear no political responsibility for their work because these are not citizens who elect them.

I call upon the deputies of the Legislative Assembly to take up political responsibility to the residents of Pskov and Velikie Luki as well as to ourselves because the support of our voters, including voters from Pskov and Velikie Luki, makes our authority legitimate.”

When Lev Shlosberg introduced the bill for the third time he said that “one should stand for their principles. Voters from Pskov and Velikie Luki are waiting for the reintroduction of direct mayoral elections and they are ready to bear responsibility for their choice. It is impossible to have public control over the heads of municipalities without direct elections. During the election campaign 2016 to the Legislative Assembly our team made a public commitment to introduce this initiative to the Legislative Assembly. Our voters should know that we fulfil out promise. A deputy is responsible for his initiative but the whole parfait is responsible for a group decision. Soon we will see what choice my colleagues will make”.