A political crisis in Tula saw the local mayor clash with the ruling United Russia party and the city prosecutors, who prevented the acting city manager from taking office Monday, Interfax reported.
Mayor Alisa Tolkachyova made Oleg Kozlov acting head of the city administration last week, but prosecutors said the decision was illegal because no open tender was held for the job.
Police did not allow Kozlov into his new office last Friday, while deputy administration head Mikhail Ivantsov, fired by Tolkachyova, continued at his own job despite the sacking order.
United Russia, which expelled Tolkachyova in November, said Sunday that it will try to oust the mayor, elected to the job last March, at an extraordinary meeting of the City Duma on Wednesday.
(MT)
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.
