Kremlin reportedly planning regional governor reshuffle

A reshuffle in several regional governor positions is expected before the end of May, sources close to the Kremlin told state-aligned newspaper Vedomosti Monday.

Orenburg Governor Denis Pasler, Nizhny Novgorod Governor Gleb Nikitin and Kaliningrad Governor Anton Alikhanov are expected to resign according to sources.

Pasler’s potential resignation comes after the catastrophic flooding in the Orenburg region that triggered a state of emergency on 4 April. According to one of Vedomosti’s sources, Pasler is seeking resignation from his post as governor as he feels much more “comfortable working in business”.

Nikitin and Alikhanov are expected to receive promotions after their resignations, the source said, alongside Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev who is also expected to be offered a position in the federal government.

Vedomosti requested comments from the Nizhny Novgorod, Irkutsk and Orenburg government press services with the Kaliningrad government press service telling the newspaper it knew nothing about Alikhanov’s potential resignation.

The Kamchatka, Kaliningrad and Tula Governors may also receive promotions after President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration according to sources at state-affiliated news outlet Kommersant.