Samara after Noskov: Fedorishchev between a compromise with the regional elite and a new appointment in Tula.
APEC Analytics.
Part 1.
Three scenarios for the election of a new mayor are being discussed in Samara: the return of the former representative of the regional elite, the appointment of another Varangi and the promotion of a local politician with external sponsorship. Insiders name former mayor Oleg Forsov, current Samara Duma chairman Sergey Ryazanov and former deputy chairman of the Tula regional government Igor Kazny as the most likely candidates.
Behind each of the potential contenders for the position of mayor is a specific model of relations between the governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev and the elites of the region and the city. The most likely scenario is the appointment of a local manager who will maintain useful city ties, but agree to work on the governor's terms.
The announced departure of Ivan Noskov started the fight for the mayor's seat even before the position became vacant. On November 2, Fedorishchev announced that the mayor would continue to work until December 1, when he would be promoted. The governor did not specify a new position. The transition period leaves time for final approval of a successor.
Noskov was the head of Samara already under Fedorishchev: in November 2024 he became the deputy, and in December deputies confirmed him as mayor. Therefore, the current rotation is not a dismantling of the previous governor's legacy, but a review of Fedorishchev's own personnel decisions. Apparently, Noskov's independence and even a certain autonomy began to be perceived as excessive. His departure is confirmed by a promotion, which allows him to avoid publicly acknowledging the conflict of the situation or the mistake of the appointment.
Now Fedorishchev needs a leader who is capable of running the city, but who does not turn the mayor's office into a separate administrative center and above all a political one. Therefore, the return of a local character may be more convenient than inviting another newcomer.