Upheaval in administration of Russian Karelia

Most district leaders to be replaced

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A major upheaval is underway in the administration of the Russian Republic of Karelia. Sergei Katanandov, the Governor of Russian Karelia, said that 13 of the 18 district leaders of the republic would soon lose their posts.
      The move was sparked by ethnic riots in the city of Kondopoga in September.
      Katanandov’s own position has been somewhat precarious, since he came under public criticism from President Vladimir Putin, who lashed out at him in a television programme last week.
     
Putin said that he had tried to reach the Karelian leader several times by telephone, but that he was either on holiday or on a plane.
      Katanandov, who cut short his holiday to Portugal, met with Putin on Wednesday. He appears to be keeping his job, but was nevertheless severely reprimanded by the President.
      "It is the first time in my career that I was not able to reach a regional leader. Before a decision on a vital question - the formation of official bodies - you went on holiday. It is certainly warm in Portugal, but Kondopoga is more important for us", said Putin in a televised discussion.
      "You are right, your assessment is harsh. I certainly did not do the right thing", Katanandov admitted.
      In October, Putin removed Karelia’s Interior Minister, head prosecutor, and the leader of the republic’s security service. Their successors are expected to be appointed in the coming days.
      Katanandov has already replaced the district leader, prosecutor, and police chief of Kondopoga.
     
A brawl broke out in a restaurant in Kondopoga in September between Russians and Chechens. Two Russians were killed in the fighting. A couple of days later hundreds of native Russians rioted, destroying businesses owned by Caucasians, sending dozens of Chechens fleeing the city.
      On Thursday the trial began of a Russian accused of starting the restaurant brawl. Also facing charges are eight Russians suspected of rioting, and five Caucasians suspected in the killings of the two Russians.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Hatred and violence flares up between Slavs and Caucasians in Russian Karelia (4.9.2006)

Helsingin Sanomat