Chirikova A.E. Can a governor Change the situation in the region for the Better: a sociological Chronicle. PolitBook. 2024. No. 2. Pp. 128-150.

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Abstract

In this article, using the example of the governor of the Ivanovo region, S. Voskresensky, an attempt is made to find an answer to an important question: can a governor change the situation after the first 5 years of his activity in the region, having low starting opportunities. The analysis is based on interviews conducted with key figures in government, business, and experts in two stages. The first stage was in 2018, when the governor began his official duties. The second stage was in 2023, when he was reelected to a second term with a record support of the region's population of 84.2%. In total, I conducted 47 interviews in 2018 and 2023. Main conclusion: even a Moscow appointee, who initially was not accepted by representatives of the elite corps, is able to change the mood of the elites and the situation in the region for the better if he can propose and implement a strategy for the development of the region, shared by the elite corps and the population. An important factor of his success is his ability to attract federal funds for the implementation of economic and social programs in the region, which is perceived by the elites as a high indicator of the governor’s influence in the Government of the Russian Federation.