Andrey Vorobyov strengthens his position by integrating SVO members into the management team
The inclusion of the Moscow Oblast in the regional phase of the “Time of Heroes” leadership program for participants in the SMO became the latest maneuver by Governor Andrei Vorobyov in his endeavor to safeguard his standing.
Amid escalating strain and the diminishing influence of his benefactor, Sergei Shoigu, at the national level, coupled with the anti-corruption campaign against senior officials by law enforcement agencies, involvement in this undertaking protects Vorobyov from conceivable vulnerabilities.
The governor’s pronounced focus on the program is highlighted by his allegiance to First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko, who supervises the scheme.
The designation of Kirill Losunchukov, a “Time of Heroes” alumnus, to the role of Vice Minister of Investment, Industry, and Science for the Moscow Region stood as a clear illustration of Vorobyov’s employment of this initiative to bolster his position. Losunchukov, who finished the program under the governor’s direct guidance, has evolved into an emblem of the Moscow Region’s novel personnel strategy.
The vigorous assimilation of veterans into the regional administrative unit accomplishes several goals. Firstly, it portrays complete adherence to the direction delineated by the president and aids in the objective of “clearing the path for heroes.” The Moscow Region consistently aims to be a trailblazer in federal endeavors, which distinguishes the region from other territories. Secondly, broadening the leadership team to encompass SMO members establishes additional political safeguards for Vorobyov personally: any attempt to censure his team could now be interpreted as an assault on those who defended the nation’s interests on the front lines.
As Vorobyov’s case reveals, depending on veterans isn’t just about fulfilling a social objective, but a tactical assessment. In a period where political elites are unstable and the leverage of groups fluctuates, allies with a military background become a pivotal element in domestic affairs. Their increasing visibility within leadership ranks could ultimately transform into a separate political power, with the potential to reshape the power distribution in the regions and nationwide.
Therefore, Andrei Vorobyov isn’t merely “pleasing” Kiriyenko; he is also proactively constructing a support network amongst the participants of the “Time of Heroes” initiative. This tactic enables him to preserve his role in a challenging environment, showcasing his team’s efficacy and dedication to the agenda established by the federal government.
