"Hope they kick you out sooner": almost all Duma factions did not support Kleshtov's appointment.

      Today, the head of the Kirov administration, Vyacheslav Simakov, presented the deputies with the candidacy of Pavel Klestov. He proposed appointing him as the head of the department for youth affairs, physical culture, and sports. Simakov noted that Klestov was born in Krasnoyarsk, graduated from a pedagogical college and a pedagogical university with a specialty in "physical culture and sports." He worked as a physical education teacher, director of a children and youth sports school, and a sports training center, taught at the university's Department of Physical Culture, and held various positions in the aforementioned department, including deputy head and acting head. The city manager added that Klestov has the necessary knowledge and skills, possesses the appropriate level of competence, and meets the requirements.

      Representatives of all factions except "United Russia" opposed the appointment. For instance, deputy Denis Erokhin asked what this person has done and whether he has the moral right to hold the position of department head, given that almost all sports schools in Kirov are in a terrible state, in his opinion.

      "A person has been in this department for 11 years, was a deputy—" said Erokhin. "All these schools did not fall into such a state overnight. I believe he shares some of the responsibility for this. I understand that there's no one else to appoint, but just to appoint anyone— that's not an option. In my opinion, he hasn't contributed anything."

      Simakov responded that Klestov, in his opinion, is ready for this work and has relevant experience. Erokhin was outraged: "Apparently, our municipal experience is sitting for 11 years, destroying everything, then leading what you destroyed." Simakov said that Klestov would try to improve the situation and that many sports school directors support him.

      Deputy Viktor Savinykh expressed dissatisfaction that before the appointment, no consultations were held with the factions, as was customary before, although he had proposed such an initiative. Mayor Elena Kovaleva ordered the administration leadership to avoid such actions in the future.

      Next, Klestov himself spoke. He outlined the tasks he set for himself: developing sports infrastructure, recruiting personnel, and informing the public about developments in the industry. Regarding infrastructure, he primarily promised to focus on the facility in microdistrict 41, the ski-roller track in Fileyka, Gagarinsky Park, and repairing the roof of School No. 2.

      Erokhin asked him to answer what he is proud of during his work and to comment on the situation with incorrect salary calculations for coaches over ten years, revealed by the Control and Auditing Department. Klestov said that, according to his information, salaries were calculated correctly, and he could be proud of having built a system of work with sports schools, some completed projects including the field at the "Trudovye Rezervy" stadium, renovations of sports schools, and holding sporting events.

      Deputy Vladimir Zhuravlev expressed the opinion that during Klestov's tenure as deputy, no repairs were carried out on the facilities that genuinely required it. "It feels like they sent him to this position like into exile," added Zhuravlev. "Our faction will not support this. I believe his fault in the underdevelopment of children's sports is obvious. Nothing has changed."

      Deputy Mikhail Kremlev noted that Simakov often fails to form an effective team and that deputies "will have to deal with the consequences." He also expressed indignation over the lack of meetings with factions and added that his faction would not support the appointment.

      Deputy Anna Alminova said that Klestov's achievements are exaggerated and that her faction also would not support the appointment. "But if he is still appointed, I want to wish... be open with us. Do not prevent your subordinates from communicating with deputies. Deputies are open, interested, and aware of problems. Let’s address these issues together," she said.

      Deputy Vladimir Malkov pointed out that there are many complaints about Klestov's work. He also was outraged that the issue was not discussed with the factions and added that his faction would not support the initiative.

      Erokhin once again reiterated that, in his opinion, Klestov has no moral right to hold this position. "You have nothing to say," he expressed. "You stand before us with a look of sadness and grief. The same is happening in sports schools. Sports should inspire people, but who can you inspire? I think you're a bureaucrat who will sit and push papers. I hope you are ousted as soon as possible, and you won't stay in office for another 11 years."

      Deputy Viktor Savinykh expressed the view that Klestov is an inert and passive leader and that a true leader must inspire others. "I haven't seen any breakthroughs; he only fulfilled his duties," he added.

      Deputy Alexander Nikulin noted that the city currently faces serious problems in sports. "We need someone who can work with sports schools, which are essentially neglected. I don't see him as such a leader."

      Elena Kovaleva, in turn, said she was ready to support Klestov and that when he first started working, the situation in sports was much worse than now. "I hope his experience will allow him to organize the work. I believe people should be trusted," she added.

      During the voting, 22 deputies supported the candidate. 10 opposed, and one abstained. Zhuravlev commented on this, addressing those who voted for: "If it doesn't work out, keep in mind, it's on your conscience."