Unlike his predecessors, the incoming governor of the Moscow region won't act as head of government.
That's in accordance with a new bill approved by local lawmakers, RIA-Novosti reported Thursday.
Under the new rules, which have yet to be worked out, the two offices will be separated.
"The region's government will be doing operational work, allowing the governor to focus on federal-level projects" and "issues of strategic development," a statement issued by the regional legislature announced, Interfax reported.
Previously, the region's governor simultaneously took on both roles.
Sergei Shoigu, the emergency situations minister, will replace Boris Gromov as the Moscow region's governor next month.
In addition to its decision to separate administrative duties, the legislature was scheduled to vote Thursday on a proposal to create a separate administration for Shoigu, the report said.
The changes are expected "to increase the effectiveness" of the regional authorities at all levels, the legislature's chairman, Sergei Yudakov, said, according to RIA-Novosti.
Shoigu is widely expected to bring in his own team to help govern the region after he takes office.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
