New leadership takes the helm in Moscow as Sobyanin reshapes the city government
The Moscow mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, who has been elected to a third term, moved quickly to reorganize the capital’s administration on the day he officially assumed office. A formal order, published on the official site of the mayor and city government, directs the Moscow government to continue exercising its powers only until a new government is formed. This decree also notes the dismissal of the heads of executive authorities, their first deputies, the governors of administrative regions, and a number of other key officials, signaling a broad renewal of the city’s leadership.
Sobyanin’s inauguration followed a ceremonial welcome at the Zaryadye Concert Hall in Moscow, marking the official start of his new term. The event underscored continuity in leadership while highlighting the mandate to advance the city’s policy agenda under a continued Sobyanin administration.
Earlier in September, the results of the mayoral election were confirmed in Moscow. A total of 3,325,120 voters participated in the race, according to Olga Kirillova, the head of the Moscow City Election Commission. The election was described as taking place in an atmosphere of high political culture, reflecting Moscow’s longstanding emphasis on orderly civic processes and steady governance. The turnout figure and the official certification of the results underscore the capital’s consistent engagement in its municipal affairs and the public mandate for the new term.
In broader national discourse, President Putin had previously spoken about plans for a period of renovation in Moscow, a theme that conversations around the city’s development often echo. The combination of leadership transition, administrative reshaping, and civic participation frames Moscow as a city negotiating large-scale modernization while maintaining its administrative stability and familiar governance rhythm. As Sobyanin begins this third term, observers expect a continued focus on urban infrastructure, municipal services, and strategic urban planning that align with the needs and priorities of Moscow’s residents and businesses.