Moscow, 11 June 1997 (RFE/RL) - Russian first deputy prime minister Anatoly Chubais today warned a controversial Russian governor that his job might be in jeopardy.
Yevgeny Nazdratenko is widely blamed for severe power shortages in the Far Eastern Primorye region, which have prompted electricity cuts of up to 23 hours a day and picketting by angry local residents.
Chubais accused Nazdratenko today of unprofessional acts and said he should bear personal responsibility for the crisis in the region.
President Boris Yeltsin also sharply criticized Nazdratenko last week and stripped him of most of his powers. In response, Nazdratenko called for early gubernatorial elections.
Earlier today Russia's other First Deputy Prime Minister, Boris Nemtsov, arrived in Primorye for talks with regional officials. Nemtsov however said that dismissing Nazdratenko is the task of the president himself.
Yevgeny Nazdratenko is widely blamed for severe power shortages in the Far Eastern Primorye region, which have prompted electricity cuts of up to 23 hours a day and picketting by angry local residents.
Chubais accused Nazdratenko today of unprofessional acts and said he should bear personal responsibility for the crisis in the region.
President Boris Yeltsin also sharply criticized Nazdratenko last week and stripped him of most of his powers. In response, Nazdratenko called for early gubernatorial elections.
Earlier today Russia's other First Deputy Prime Minister, Boris Nemtsov, arrived in Primorye for talks with regional officials. Nemtsov however said that dismissing Nazdratenko is the task of the president himself.