Victor Kolodyazhny

Yesterday, the inauguration of the recently elected mayor of the summer capital of Russia, Viktor Kolodyazhny, took place at the Winter Theater in Sochi. Thus, the protégé of Kuban Governor Alexander Tkachev officially got rid of the “acting” prefix, with which he worked as the head of Sochi for the last three months. In the elections on April 25, Viktor Kolodyazhny was trusted by 73.56% of Sochi residents who came to the elections. Many associated such a convincing election of the governor's protege as mayor of a federal resort city with the fatigue of the townspeople from the confusion that reigned in the city in recent years. Almost 38% turnout in the April 25 elections is a record result for Sochi. During the three months during which Viktor Kolodyazhny served as mayor, the city center was transformed: sidewalks, embankments, and paths in Riviera Park were paved. However, many entrepreneurs complained that they were forced to transfer money almost triple the amount for the tiles, which are manufactured in Novorossiysk at a factory that, according to some information, is under the patronage of the first vice-governor Alexander Remezkov.

The inauguration ceremony for the new head began at 11 am. By this time, all entrances to the Winter Theater were blocked, and a huge number of cars and public transport had accumulated on the neighboring streets. The roads were blocked due to the arrival of Victor Kolodyazhny’s patron, Governor Alexander Tkachev, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Region (ZSK) Vladimir Beketov and other distinguished guests. Contrary to expectations, Vladimir Yakovlev, the presidential plenipotentiary representative in the Southern Federal District, did not attend the inauguration. Federal inspector and former mayor of Sochi Nikolai Karpov read out a greeting on his behalf.

Alexander Tkachev did not hide his joy. “Today is a significant day, we honor the winner,” the governor said in his welcoming speech. — Victor Kolodyazhny has proven himself to be an experienced and purposeful leader. With his coming to power in Sochi, the city will receive a rebirth.” Presenting the badge of the head of the city, Tkachev dropped a phrase that the guests interpreted as it should have been: “You received this position as a gift from the people of Sochi,” although it was requested “from the regional authorities.” The latter was more true: despite the fact that the elections for the mayor of Sochi resembled alternative ones, the entire administrative and information resource worked for Viktor Kolodyazhny.

Apart from the badge and certificate number 86, Alexander Tkachev did not present anything to Viktor Kolodyazhny, although he presented his former protege Leonid Mostovoy with the keys to a Nissan Maxima car at the inauguration.

The governor’s wish for success to his protege was crowned with the toast “Many Years.” Then the chairman of the Kuban parliament, Vladimir Beketov, took the floor. “I remember how 20 years ago, when I was the chairman of the Gulkevichi district executive committee, I met the head of the Armavir SMU Viktor Kolodyazhny, then he became the manager of the Kubankolkhozstroy trust. Even then he impressed me as a strong business executive.” At the word “Kubankolkhozstroy” the people in the hall began to whisper again, since Sochi residents traditionally do not consider themselves “Kubans”. However, the governor has repeatedly admitted that, in an effort to install “his man” in Sochi, he wants to get rid of Sochi separatism.

On behalf of Metropolitan Isidore of Ekaterinodar and Kuban, Archpriest Sergius conveyed congratulations to the newly-minted mayor. The clergyman recalled that the name Victor in Greek means “victory.” And he kissed the winner three times.

At the end of the half-hour official part, it was announced that after a 15-minute break there would be a concert by Alexander Malinin. The audience headed to the buffet, where they drank to the health of the new head. After the third bell, inviting people to the hall, there were much fewer people wishing to get acquainted with the work of the popular singer than were present at the inauguration itself. The invitees rushed to the front door, but they were locked. Some woman was running around the buffet and shouting that she would fire everyone if the sale of alcohol did not stop after the third bell. I had to return to the hall and listen to Malinin’s speech. After the concert, the chosen ones were invited to a banquet.

SVETLANA TURYALAY, Sochi

Kommersant (Rostov) No. 81 dated 05/07/2004, p. 12

Governor Tkachev “gifted” Sochi