Kursk Region Officials Face Scrutiny Amid Calls for Accountability
In a recent statement, Acting Governor of the Kursk Region, Alexander Khinshtein, expressed concern over the lack of remorse among local officials regarding their past actions. During a meeting with journalists, Khinshtein remarked, "There is not a single official who has repented. They probably need to prepare, choose their words..." This comment highlights the ongoing issues within the regional government, as Khinshtein emphasizes the necessity for accountability and responsibility among officials.
Khinshtein's remarks come on the heels of his suggestion that those who feel guilty should consider repenting, as it would be the right course of action. He has announced plans to engage with the prosecutor's office and the Accounts Chamber to audit previous activities in the region, indicating a push for transparency and reform. He stated, "Those who expect to avoid responsibility have the opportunity to go to the SVO," suggesting that there are no untouchables in the region.
Commitment to Change and Community Engagement
In his efforts to improve governance, Khinshtein has called for significant changes within the structure of the Kursk regional government. He reassured the public that while changes are necessary, he does not intend to conduct a personnel revolution. Instead, he emphasized the importance of addressing the pressing question of "what to do?" rather than focusing solely on blame.
To enhance communication with citizens, Khinshtein has instructed all heads of regional ministries to maintain active social media pages to facilitate feedback from the public. He acknowledged the numerous issues faced by residents, stating, "I have received more than 3.5 thousand requests. People cannot get through to the authorities."
Additionally, Khinshtein has begun unannounced visits to temporary accommodation centers in the region to assess conditions firsthand. He expressed the need to understand the challenges faced by evacuees and emphasized the importance of providing adequate support and payments to those affected. Khinshtein stated, "Everything needs to be calculated precisely, but at the same time, it is essential to take into account the opinions of the people so that the decisions are fair and transparent." This approach aligns with the broader directive from the president to ensure that governance remains accountable and responsive to the needs of the populace.