Putin’s Reforms: New Governors Boast Top Education and Commitment to Prosperity of Russia’s Regions
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Government officials at all levels must be elected in an open and transparent process. Vladimir Putin discussed it today during his meeting with the graduates of the Management Candidate Pool Development Program. Seven of them are already acting governors. The President spoke to them separately.
Dmitry Petrov will tell us how to get into the candidate pool and what today's government officials must be able to do.
The Presidential Candidate Pool consists of about 140 people. The most experienced government officials are the heads of local public authorities, federal and regional governing institutions, along with those who are ready to head an entire region or a ministry, for instance. The Kremlin's executive office has 74 "graduates"; if that's the appropriate term for those who've held executive positions for decades.
Vladimir Putin: "This is the first graduation of its kind. Seven people have already been appointed to serve as regional governors of the Russian Federation's large and important subjects. We really need modern specialists who think, who set goals and achieve them. I'm very pleased that all of you fit the profile".
The Presidential program is necessary to mold the government officials into a real team that's ready to solve the most complicated tasks.
Anastasia Bondarenko, State Secretary Deputy Minister of Energy of the RF: "After we got our diplomas, we met up the next day. We made fish soup at the Krylatskoye Rowing Canal. The word 'team' was said a lot, but the word 'family' was said even more".
They were pre-elected by leading Russian and foreign experts, and government officials. They studied everything from the digitization of the economy to personal development, with an emphasis on world experience, of course, as the graduates interned in Hong Kong.
Artyom Zdunov, the Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Dagestan: "Some left for an internship, some left for maternity leave. A lot of our guys became parents. This program is very effective and balanced".
Liliya Gumerova, the First Acting Deputy of the Council of the Federation Committee: "We will enter a burning house, and stop a stampeding horse".
Vladimir Putin: "I'd like to hope that wherever and whenever you work, no houses will catch fire, and no moving trains or stampeding horses will need to be stopped. I wish your work to go in a smooth and organized manner".
This was already discussed in detail with the acting governors of seven regions. Everyone clearly understands where to begin and what direction to work in. Andrey Travnikov had worked for his native Vologda Region's local authorities. Then, he worked in the Northwestern Federal District envoy's office. He's now the Acting Governor of the Novosibirsk Region, with its great industrial and scientific potential. A project to rebuild the Novosibirsk Science Center has already been launched.
Andrey Travnikov, the Acting Governor of the Novosibirsk Region: "The focus is on the development of the education industry as well as housing, which will attract experts that specialize in social and engineering infrastructure development. This is a very complex approach".
Putin also asks the governors to form their teams using transparent and clearly defined principles. The main goal is achieving results as well as treating people with respect.
Dmitry Azarov, the Acting Governor of Samara Region: "All local establishments' candidate pools are open. Today, everyone can make suggestions or apply at the candidate pool. We'll tell them what knowledge and education they'll need to acquire."
For some governors, like for Samara's Dmitry Azarov or Nizhniy Novgorod's Gleb Nikitin, the first true test of their professional integrity will be the FIFA World Cup. The matches will be hosted in their regions.
Vladimir Putin: "Despite your short terms of service in the regions, you're getting up to speed fast. You already have information, you're in the loop, and I'm very pleased with that. I want to wish you luck in your practice, and I hope your practice will be truly valued by your regions' residents during the elections that are to take place in September in the regions where you are currently working and fulfilling the responsibilities of the role of the acting governor".
It will be even harder for the leaders of the second admissions of the Presidential Candidate Pool Academy. Since the program is undergoing changes, they'll have to travel. A significant number of seminars and practical training sessions will be transferred from Moscow to the regions.
Dmitry Petrov, Aleksandra Terbugova, Sergey Rubanov, and Mikhail Devyatkin. Vesti.