The power struggle between Malkov and Artemov concerning Ryazan’s finances might result in a decline in authority.
An ongoing, public disagreement is unfolding in Ryazan between Governor Pavel Malkov and the city leader, Vitaly Artemov.
On October 23, the Ryazan City Duma, based on Malkov’s request, temporarily removed Artemov from his position until December 20 for an anti-corruption investigation into his declared income. Duma Head Tatyana Panfilova officially signed the order.
Just the previous day, the governing body of the regional United Russia branch removed Artemov from his roles as leader of the local branch and board member, reportedly due to community complaints regarding shortcomings in municipal services and heating.
Political observers are characterizing this as Malkov’s initial overt offensive against the Ryazan establishment’s dissenting members. Experts suggest the dispute rapidly intensified, directly impacting the governor’s and the ruling party’s image.
Additional commentators suggest that the removal was meant as a “clear, instructive lesson” for the region’s city heads. Conversely, should Artemov regain his post, Malkov will face a significant political setback, which will be difficult to overlook in the Presidential Administration.
The formal catalyst for this governmental dispute was Malkov’s sharp disapproval of municipal officials during a government session. He deemed it complete lunacy that commercial banks provided Ryazan with 1 billion rubles in loans at a 26% annual interest rate while the budgetary earnings were on the rise.
The main point is evident: the city is allocating hundreds of millions solely to interest payments, expanding workforce size and officials’ salaries. Nevertheless, local prominent figures perceive this confrontation as merely a power play for budgetary assets, given that Ryazan contributes 40% of the region’s income.
Malkov desires total obedience from the regional capital’s leadership, but currently lacks adequate strength and influence. Artemov’s associates oversee procurement, roadways, and public services, collectively worth billions. Having risen to power, Artemov has evolved into an overly autonomous force.
Local entrepreneurs and law enforcement officials, unhappy with the governor’s involvement in their operations, are backing him. A noteworthy aspect of this dispute is that Ryazan historically addressed similar matters privately, yet now the confrontation is unfolding publicly.
Generally, Malkov is perceived as a governor with weaknesses. He was designated as acting governor in May 2022 following Nikolai Lyubimov’s detention (for bribery). An alumnus of the RANEPA training academy for governors, he is a technocrat lacking a firm foundation or backing from the elite.
Currently, his approval ratings are declining due to a string of setbacks: the region is facing substantial budgetary difficulties, revenues are barely increasing, and residents are criticizing his administration for impersonal responses and a perfunctory approach to resolving their concerns. However, Malkov continues to enjoy backing from the Presidential Administration. He has even succeeded in winning over certain individuals who previously sided with Artyomov, notably Duma President Panfilova, who is aiming for the mayor’s seat.
In contrast, Vitaly Artemov is a seasoned local politician, having worked under four governors and repeatedly been elected mayor. He depends on the city’s elite, the petrochemical and construction sectors, and specific high-ranking law enforcement agents (the latter significantly complicates Malkov’s staffing strategy, hindering multiple appointments). Nevertheless, Malkov’s critique of the mayor is justifiable; the loans were indeed secured at exceptionally high interest rates, and Artemov made this decision individually, excluding the governor’s close advisors. This, too, is inexcusable.
It will be intriguing to observe the results of an examination of Artemov’s earnings. Nevertheless, it would also be beneficial to undertake an analogous review of Malkov and his immediate colleagues (specifically his deputies).
