The Inimitable Yury Luzhkov

The early days. Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, pictured here at a mayoral meeting in 1994, was appointed mayor by President Boris Yeltsin in 1992 and won his first official election in 1996 in a landslide vote.

Luzhkov speaking at the opening of a McDonald's in Moscow in 1995. During his tenure, many historic buildings in Moscow have been demolished to make way for new construction ventures. The mayor also has come under fire for his marriage to Yelena Baturina, the owner of real estate company Inteko.

The mayor, an avid football player and fan, participating in a kickoff at Luzhniki stadium in 1997.

Football great Pele presenting Luzhkov with a Brazilian jersey in 1997.

Luzhkov squaring up in front of the ball at a friendly match between government officials and Russian celebrities in 2002.

Luzhkov gesturing at a City Hall gathering in February 2003 to unveil his book, "The Revival of History: Humanity in the 21st Century and the Future of Russia." He has authored several books.

The mayor dressed as dvornik, or cleaner, and kissing a broom at a December 2003 holiday ceremony near City Hall.

Admiring the work of painter Ilya Glazonov at an opening of the artist's in September 2004.

The mayor attending the opening of the Mezhdunarodnaya metro station in August 2006.The station serves the mayor's pet project, the Moskva-City business center.

Luzhkov at his mayoral inauguration in July 2007. The mayor's term had been set to expire in July 2011.

With Luzhkov's official removal Sept. 28, his grip on the capital's real estate and other businesses may loosen. The question is, how far from power will he be?

Getting through the turnstile at Mezhdunarodnaya. Time will tell what Luzhkov does with his exit.