MOSCOW. Dec 6 (Interfax) - Alexander Khinshtein has been appointed acting governor of the Kursk region due to the need for crisis management, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"[The candidacy of Khinshtein has been discussed] in due process. The president clearly stated the need for crisis management. Given his experience in earlier positions, it was decided that the candidate could be effective," Peskov told journalists.
Peskov was asked whether former Kursk Region Governor Alexei Smirnov resigned or his performance was criticized.
"He resigned. He will take another job," Peskov said.
He said it was still unknown what job Smirnov would take.
Reporters also asked Peskov whether Khinshtein would be the governor only during the crisis or he would stand in elections.
"It is impossible to answer this question for now. Whenever a person takes charge of a region, he aims to work for a long time and to the fullest extent," Peskov said.
"The president said that the entire economy of the Kursk region would have to be restored after it is cleared of militants. It will be necessary to restore housing, public utilities and all the rest," he said.
A lot of work will have to be done, Peskov said.
He described Khinshtein as "an energetic and talented person capable of effective work."
As reported on December 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed head of the State Duma Information Policy Committee Alexander Khinshtein acting governor of the Kursk region. The respective executive order was published on the Kremlin website.
Putin said at a meeting with Khinshtein that the latter served as an advisor to the Russian National Guard director in 2016-2018 and added in that connection, "There is need for crisis management, given the situation the Kursk region is in."