Medvedev nominates governor for Russia’s “second capital”

President Dmitry Medvedev has nominated the new head of the second-largest city in Russia, St. Petersburg.

Out of three candidates suggested by the United Russia party, he chose Georgy Poltavchenko, who is currently the acting mayor of the city.

Now the candidature needs the approval of St. Petersburg’s legislative assembly. If approved, Poltavchenko will step down as the presidential envoy to the Central Federal District.

Medvedev met with Poltavchenko today to announce his decision. He stressed that Russia’s “northern capital” has several serious problems, such as a poor record on communal services, and ordered the creation of a team of professionals to resolve them.

Medvedev also said that Poltavchenko knows the city perfectly well after working as the presidential envoy in the Central Federal District for the last 10 years.

The previous head of the city, Valentina Matvienko, resigned to become chairman of the parliament’s upper house.

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