G. POLTAVCHENKO: According to the forecast, our GRP (gross regional product) will be somewhere around 3.5 percent, 3.2 percent. That is a good result. ... Based on a fairly optimistic forecast, we have developed a strategy centered on the growth of the knowledge economy, taking into account the scientific and technological potential that St. Petersburg has. To implement this strategy, we have drawn up 17 programs, which are now under review. There is fairly strong confidence that this strategy can be carried out. I would like to take a personal part in advancing this strategy, and I would like, Vladimir Vladimirovich, to ask for your support in my wish to run in the early election for Governor of St. Petersburg this September, so that we can ultimately do what has been planned, and what, in my view, can realistically be done, in order to keep developing the city. V. PUTIN: How long have you been in the job now? Two and a half years? G. POLTAVCHENKO: Two and a half years. In September it will be exactly three years. V. PUTIN: All right, I have no objection. Agreed. http://kremlin.ru/news/45849
They've seriously had it coming already. What is this endless circus?
He spent two and a half years as governor and is now asking to resign so he can become governor again. Why can't he just serve four years properly, then run in the election, and then serve another four years properly? Not a single election in this country ever happens normally—according to schedule and under stable laws. "Agreed," they said..
People of St. Petersburg, I urge you to push back against the brazen scoundrels who are appointing your city's mayor through some murky backroom arrangement. Use polling and a preliminary vote to choose a single candidate from among the city's residents—and not a single vote for Poltavchenko!
