IRKUTSK (Realist English). Governor Igor Kobzev announced on October 15 during the 28th session of the Irkutsk Regional Legislative Assembly that he will personally head the regional government, formally combining the roles of governor and prime minister. Amendments to the regional charter will soon be adopted to formalize the decision.
“Our primary goal is to fully meet all social obligations to the people of the region and to ensure the unconditional implementation of the objectives set by President Vladimir Putin,” Kobzev said. “Power is not a privilege — it is, first and foremost, a responsibility. This understanding underpins my decision to lead the government of the Irkutsk Region. It is my personal responsibility.”
The governor emphasized that combining the two posts would help centralize management, eliminate contradictions in decision-making, and strengthen administrative coordination.
“The region now needs unity, firmness, and cohesion more than ever,” he said, adding that the new government team must develop effective anti-crisis measures to accelerate economic growth.
Kobzev called for swift and targeted actions to diversify the local economy and increase regional revenues, stressing that these tasks would fall primarily on the economic and financial blocs of the cabinet.
He also reiterated his commitment to open dialogue with lawmakers and stakeholders.
“I am always ready to listen to all proposals aimed at improving the efficiency of our joint work,” he said.
The move positions Kobzev as one of the few regional leaders in Russia to simultaneously head both the executive and administrative branches, consolidating power during a period of economic uncertainty and governance reform in Siberia’s key industrial region.
