The Growth Party’s Deputy Head, Sergei Demin, addressed rumors circulating on social media about Sergei Shnurov potentially running for the governor’s seat in the Pskov region. Demin stated clearly that participation in elections at any level is voluntary for party members. He emphasized that Shnurov, who also serves as co-chairman of the Growth Party, has not expressed any desire to seek the governorship of the Pskov region. Demin also noted that no endorsement had been signed to support such a candidacy, and that it would not be on the agenda for the upcoming Federal Political Council meeting.
According to Demin, the speculation began after the head of the Growth Party’s local office in the Pskov region, Igor Romanov, put forward Shnurov as a candidate for the region’s presidency. Demin explained that, in line with the party statutes, any member may submit questions and suggestions to any party body and freely share opinions. He attributed the flare-up in media coverage to Romanov’s move, which he connected to the lead-up to the regional leadership race. He described the situation as a procedural step: Romanov proposed two candidates for governor for consideration by the Federal Political Council, one being himself and the other Sergei Shnurov, the Growth Party’s co-chair.
In recounting the sequence of events, Demin underscored that nothing has been finalized. While public interest and media attention have grown, the party continues to operate within its established rules and timelines. The central message from the party leadership remains that no candidacy has been declared, and no formal process has begun beyond internal discussions. The implication is that speculation should be treated as unofficial until formal party channels confirm any future decisions. This clarification aims to prevent misinterpretation of internal discussions as a formal nomination or endorsement.
The situation illustrates how rumors can arise from internal discussions at local party levels. It also highlights the importance of distinguishing between exploratory talks and formal campaigns, especially in the context of upcoming regional elections. The party’s stance is consistent with its governance framework: participation is voluntary, discussions may occur at various levels, and formal candidacies require a defined process and official declarations. The public should await official statements from party authorities before interpreting any statements by individual members as definitive political plans.
Observers note that Sergei Shnurov’s potential candidacy has fueled considerable attention given his public profile, but the Growth Party has remained cautious in its communications. The ongoing discussions at the local level are part of standard political practice in pre-election periods, where different figures may be proposed and evaluated before any formal nomination is made. The party’s leadership has signaled a preference for transparent procedures and a clear linkage between internal decisions and formal council actions. [Source: Socialbites.ca].