A renowned economist is following in the footsteps of self-exiled former rector Sergei Guriev by leaving the New Economic School in Moscow.
Amid differences with the leadership that has taken the helm of the New Economic School since Guriev abruptly resigned in May, Konstantin Sonin, vice rector and director for undergraduate studies, has accepted a position with Moscow’s Higher School of Economics, a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday.
Sonin, who announced his departure from the New Economic School on his LiveJournal blog late Tuesday, did not explain his decision but said it was “in no way connected with politics.”
Contacted Wednesday, he said simply that he had accepted a new job.
“I am moving to another university in Moscow,” he said by e-mail, without elaborating.
Guriev, Sonin’s former boss, fled to France under pressure from the authorities in May over the findings of an expert report on the Yukos case, in which he had participated.
He had helped the New Economic School become one of the country’s top universities offering graduate programs in economics.
Following Guriev’s exit, an open competition to find his replacement was announced, with Sonin being one of the most obvious candidates.
Sonin and Guriev, both known for their opposition-leaning views, represent a new generation of economists who conduct much of their research abroad.
Related articles:
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.
