More United Russia deputies are expected to relinquish their parliamentary seats following the resignation of United Russia Deputy Vladimir Pekhtin on Wednesday, a news report said Thursday.
"Following Pekhtin, another six United Russia Deputies might leave the Duma for similar reasons," a source close to the presidential administration told Vedomosti on Thursday.
"Changes are taking place in the political system and democratic institutions are developing, meaning that if there are calls for reform and transparency, there must be responses as well," he said. "Everyone makes their own decisions, and Pekhtin made the right decision, which is a signal to many."
He said scandals had arisen regarding real estate owned by other members of United Russia, particularly Vladislav Tretyak.
United Russia deputy Sergei Zheleznyak said this information has not yet been confirmed, however.
Vladimir Pekhtin surrendered his parliamentary seat on Wednesday after opposition leader Alexei Navalny published documents purporting to show that Pekhtin co-owned undeclared property worth more than $2 million in Miami and Ormond Beach, Florida.
On Tuesday, United Russia deputies Anatoly Lomakhin and Vasily Tolstopyatov also resigned.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.