Novosibirsk’s mayor, Anatoly Lokot, announced his decision to step down from the top post as he transitions into a new role. The confirmation came in a message posted on his book Telegram channel, where the city leader explained his move and the reasons behind it.
In his message, Lokot stated, “I have chosen to leave the office of mayor in connection with my transition to a new job,” signaling a shift in his public service path. He reminded readers that the people of Novosibirsk had placed their trust in him through direct elections in 2014 and again in 2019. Lokot underscored his commitment to the residents, noting that he has been working closely with the community to drive continual improvements and ensure the city’s ongoing dynamic development, acknowledging that there is still a great deal of work ahead.
Lokot also highlighted the strength of the city administration, describing it as a professional team capable of maintaining momentum even as leadership changes occur. He expressed pride in living in Novosibirsk and serving its people, a sentiment he emphasized with a sense of gratitude for the support he has received throughout his tenure.
Around the same time, news circulated that Lokot would take a leave of absence followed by his dismissal, with Deputy Mayor Oleg Klemeshov appointed as the interim mayor to oversee the city’s affairs during the transition period. The move marked a transition point for Novosibirsk’s municipal leadership and raised questions about the team’s immediate priorities as the city moves forward.
Officials from other political camps weighed in on the development. The head of the press service for a prominent political group in the State Duma commented that it is prudent not to forecast the exact positioning of the incoming official prematurely, emphasizing the need to await formal announcements. This cautious stance reflected the broader practice of orderly transitions within regional governance and the importance of providing a stable governance framework for citizens and businesses alike.
These events come on the heels of a recent resignation in Smolensk, where the city council accepted the resignation of Mayor Andrei Borisov. The parallel shifts across different regional capitals underscored a seasonal pattern of leadership transitions and the ongoing recalibration of municipal priorities in large Russian cities. The overarching thread remains a shared aim: to sustain growth, ensure transparent administration, and keep public services responsive to residents’ needs as leadership changes take place. [Source attribution: Municipal communications, December reports]