Abramovich Suggested as Next Moscow Mayor

July 04, 2008

Businessman and former State Duma member Alexander Lebedev has suggested in his online journal appointing Roman Abramovich mayor of Moscow. In Lebedev’s opinion, Abramovich is the only person who can solve the severe traffic problems in the city. Lebedev urged bloggers to support the “obvious choice” and added that Moscow needs a businessman “with experience, resources and a head,” not a builder. Abramovich meets those guidelines.
Lebedev’s journal entry received comparatively few comments. Most of them were in agreement with Lebedev. There were also suggestions to send current Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov to Anadyr, capital of Chukotka, in exchange. Abramovich was governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Area until July 3, when Russian President Dmitry Medvedev approved the resignation he filed in December 2006. Abramovich had been governor of the area since 2000. Under his leadership, investment began to flow to the area and infrastructure was built. Abramovich’s spokesmen say that he will continue to work in Chukotka even after he leaves office. In particular, the businessman’s investment funds and two philanthropies will remain active there. Kommersant

Click here for the latest!