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Medvedev supports Poltavchenko’s nomination for St Petersburg Governor

“I will use my entire experience and knowledge to justify your confidence,” Poltavchenko told the president

BOCHAROV RUCHEI, August 30 (Itar-Tass) —— President Dmitry Medvedev has supported the nomination of Presidential Representative to the Central Federal District Georgy Poltavchenko for St. Petersburg Governor.

He made the statement at the Tuesday meeting with Poltavchenko at the Bocharov Ruchei residence.

“I have decided to nominate you for St. Petersburg Governor,” the president said. “You know St. Petersburg well. You have been the Presidential Representative to the Central Federal District for ten years. Hopefully, you will successfully fulfill your duties, because one must fulfill the duties of the head of the second largest city with merit.”

“The city became beautiful, the infrastructure improved and many things changed when Valentina Matviyenko was in office. This does not mean though that St. Petersburg is free from problems, including those in public utilities. It is necessary to develop the transport infrastructure and to solve ‘winter’ problems. I hope you will form a team for tackling these issues,” Medvedev told Poltavchenko.

“I will use my entire experience and knowledge to justify your confidence,” Poltavchenko told the president.

“I realize that [St. Petersburg] has plenty of problems although a lot has been done in the recent years. The team lead by Valentina Matviyenko has done much for the city. I have seen results of their work in the past week,” Poltavchenko said.

He said he would start with solving the problem of dilapidated homes and preparing for the winter season.

“We have realistic plans. I think these plans must be fulfilled without abandoning the earlier positive experience. The most important is that we enjoy support and confidence of St. Petersburg residents. I am confident we will succeed,” he said.

United Russia suggested three candidates - Presidential Representative to the Central Federal District, Acting St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko; Vice-Governor – Head of the Governor’s Staff Mikhail Oseyevsky and Chairman of the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly Vadim Tyulpanov – for governor at the Monday meeting with Medvedev.

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