vlad.tribnet.com / Issue #163 / Special reports / Reading article...

More than three thousand protesters gathered in Vladivostok March 20 to demand the end of a political battle that threatens to grind city services to a halt.

The protest was organized by Mayor Victor Cherepkov's office in response to a move by krai courts to freeze city bank accounts two weeks ago. Svetlana Shulga, acting director of the region's judicial department, claims the accounts will remain frozen until the mayor pays energy debts and city wages that have been overdue for months.

Cherepkov, however, said the court's move would soon leave the city paralyzed. He no longer has enough money to pay for pensions or health services, he said.

Cherepkov also accused Primorye Gov. Yevgeny Nazdratenko -- his opponent in a political battle that has lasted for months -- of hoarding federal transfers that should pay off the city's debts.

"I will hang a portrait of Gov. Nazdratenko on my office and bedroom walls if he will only give us the money we should receive by law," Cherepkov said to a cheering crowd that gathered in Vladivostok's main square.

But Shulga said that only a fifth of Cherepkov's bank accounts were frozen, and the city still receives enough money to pay for services. She said the mayor could still legally pay for protected budget items, like salaries and school subsidies, from the frozen accounts.

Cherepkov's office said that freezing the accounts nonetheless made full payment for city services impossible.

Following Cherepkov's appearance, a number of speakers called for Nazdratenko's resignation, claiming it was the only way to end the political deadlock.

They also hailed Cherepkov as reform-minded mayor who is the city's last chance.

"Today Cherepkov is trying to find possibilities for normal city development," said unemployed sailor Ivan Cherepanov. "He wants to work according to the law, and it doesn't work out because the krai is trying to rob him."

But some observers thought the demonstration was just another tactical move in the squabble between Nazdratenko and Cherepkov.

"This is a political game," said local university student Maxim Dyomin. "Cherepkov and Nazdratenko are just using all these protesters for their own ends."

Meanwhile, local energy supplier Dalenergo said that if the mayor does not pay outstanding electricity bills totaling more than 800 million rubles ($133,333), power will be cut to public transport, as well as to hospitals and schools.