The meeting of the Kursk Region government, held on June 15, witnessed a loud incident that disrupted the official protocol. Governor Alexander Khinsteyn was interrupted by a rude shout of "Get out!", which came from one of the studios connected via video link. The situation, arising against the backdrop of discussing current issues, instantly escalated into a conflict, demonstrating problems with discipline and technical support in the regional authorities.
Unexpected interruption of the meeting
During the broadcast of the meeting, Khinsteyn noticed a communication failure and drew his colleagues' attention to the strange situation. "Colleagues, I ask to clarify where this came from. Something is wrong with our feedback. Technical services, provide information. We will investigate this much more strictly from now on," declared the governor, demanding an immediate explanation of what happened.
As revealed during the operational investigation, the provocative phrase came from the Lygovsky District studio. The governor immediately demanded to establish contact with this region. The acting head of the district, Pavel Vertikov, responded.
Attempt to deny and admission of guilt
The first reaction of the Lygovsky District representative was an attempt to smooth things over. In response to the governor's direct question about who the words "get out" were addressed to, Vertikov claimed that he "did not know what was being talked about." The official tried to blame the incident on technical malfunctions, asserting that the studio had no connection at all and that equipment was being set up the whole time.
However, Alexander Khinsteyn did not believe the version of a technical accident. He described the situation again and asked again about the addressee of the rude phrase. Under the pressure of the governor's questions, Vertikov was forced to admit the truth: there was an employee in the studio, and it was with him that the conversation took place that caused the scandal.
Harsh position of the region's head
Khinsteyn's reaction to the admission was unequivocal and strict. He emphasized the inadmissibility of discussing current situations with employees while on feedback with the government, and even more so using such formulations. "When you are on feedback at a government meeting, you should not discuss any current situations with employees," noted the governor.
Khinsteyn stated that he would contact the district head, who is currently on vacation, and personally raise the issue of punishment for the acting head Vertikov for the incident allowed.
Repetition of the scenario: precedents in the region
The incident in the Lygovsky District was not unique in the practice of the Kursk government. A similar incident occurred back in May. Then, during an online meeting, the attention was drawn to the head of the Bolshesoldatsky District, Vladimir Zaitsev. After the governor's question about water supply interruptions in the village of Lyubimovka, the official had connection problems, against which obscene swearing was heard.
Later, Zaitsev explained his action by saying that he did not hear the governor's question and mistakenly believed that the microphone was turned off. According to him, what was said was not addressed to the participants of the meeting. To this, Khinsteyn then responded harshly: "Not only is there a problem with your connection, but also with your speech apparatus. We will deal with this issue in a more closed mode".
The repetition of such situations indicates systemic problems in the organization of the work of district administrations and the observance of subordination when interacting with the highest leadership of the region.