Kursk Regional Duma Deputy Warned for Ethics Violation After Mexico Greeting
A recent incident involving Maxim Vasilyev, a deputy from the Kursk Regional Duma, sparked significant public debate after a video greeting recorded in Mexico circulated online. The regional parliament’s press service later announced that the deputy received a formal warning for an ethics violation during a meeting of the commission on competence, compliance with regulations, and ethics.
Recorded proceedings show that on January 11, 2023, Vasilyev participated in a commission meeting by video link and publicly apologized to voters and colleagues. The commission’s Telegram channel conveyed that the deputy was warned for violating the Code of Ethics of the Deputy, marking an official stance on the matter.
The episode tied to Vasilyev’s attendance occurred after a December 2022 video surfaced showing the lawmaker celebrating the holidays on a Mexican beach. In the clip he mixed drinks, wore a festive hat, and announced holiday wishes in a lighthearted tone, saying there was money and good vibes for the New Year.
The footage drew sharp criticism from social media users, regional leaders, and members of the United Russia party. Vasilyev described the reaction as blown out of proportion, insisting the moment was not meant to offend. He acknowledged that his conduct appeared inappropriate but maintained that the video was staged for close family and friends. He explained that he bought a Mexican-style hat and shirt and learned a few phrases in Spanish to share a personal greeting with loved ones.
Vasilyev explained that his sister was traveling in Mexico with relatives and that the message was intended for them. He claimed the recording inadvertently reached others, including a contact from Western Ukraine with whom he had previously been acquainted, who subsequently posted it online.
The incident provoked a strong reaction from Roman Starovoit, the governor of Kursk region, who said he was deeply displeased by the deputy’s behavior. While Starovoit also noted that he could not impose disciplinary action under party lines because Vasilyev ran as an independent candidate, he pointed out that Vasilyev’s wife, Svetlana, is a regional Duma member representing United Russia. The governor emphasized the heightened expectations placed on regional officials in border areas where public conduct is under close scrutiny.
In his public response, Starovoit remarked that many citizens were outraged by the Mexico greeting and noted the added pressures on officials in border regions who work with local communities and national security concerns. The secretary of the General Council of United Russia, Andrey Turchak, criticized Vasilyev’s actions and called for resignation, extending the demand to his spouse as well. Turchak described the incident as an act of cynicism and a serious breach of common standards of conduct, suggesting that the party should see a reduction in membership in Kursk as a consequence of such behavior.
The party leadership argued that officials should be mindful of the optics of their public presence, especially during times when the country is mobilizing support for families affected by ongoing conflicts and other mobilization efforts. In response to the criticism, Vasilyev expressed a willingness to meet with both Turchak and Starovoit to clarify his position and share his perspective in person.
Towards the end of December, it was reported that United Russia deputies had been issued a strict 11-point code of ethics before the New Year. The directives emphasized avoiding posts on social networks that show poor mental or physical condition, refraining from obscene language, and not posting images of luxury goods, exotic travel, or fine dining as a way to prevent perceptions of privilege among the public.
Overall, the episode highlights ongoing debates about public accountability, the responsibilities of lawmakers, and how officials balance personal moments with duties to constituents. The event also underscores how regional leaders and party representatives frame misconduct in high-profile public figures, particularly when officials operate across national borders and in close proximity to political allies.
Officials and observers alike suggest that the episode serves as a reminder that official behavior is expected to align with the values and responsibilities tied to public service, regardless of personal intent or private motives. The dialogue surrounding Vasilyev continues to fuel discussions about ethics standards, disciplinary mechanisms, and the political consequences of public missteps in regional governance, especially in border regions where reputational stakes are heightened. The case remains part of a broader conversation about the standards governing public officials in Russia and how parties respond to perceived breaches of conduct. [Cited from RBC and regional press coverage.]