The governor's anniversary will turn into a charity event for the Special Military Operation.

      In the published article on Newsler.ru titled "This Gave...", personal and political secrets of Alexander Sokolov, who will turn 55 on August 4th, were revealed.

      However, very soon the details of the "anniversary charity event" became a "Polish Secret": information was generously leaked from both government sources and numerous representatives of businessman-politicians.

      For example, it became known that the governor probably plans to hold the event on August 9th at the Doroничей Shooting Club. Invitations were reportedly sent to either 200 or 250 people, depending on different sources.

      Many residents of Kirov following the news agenda reacted negatively, seeing it as another instance of celebration and revelry. Before their angry comments could die down, the situation was "clarified" on one of the government-controlled Telegram channels, citing a source from the business circles. The source shared that the governor "does not plan any celebrations for the anniversary":

      "There is a request to refrain from giving gifts to the governor. Instead, guests are encouraged to donate funds to the 'For Vyatka' fund for the needs of Kirov fighters."

      "We understand the times we live in. I think this is the right decision," a Telegram channel quotes a certain entrepreneur.

      However, this information may not be entirely accurate. Several recipients of invitations to the "non-anniversary" shared with Newsler.ru that no funds are planned to be collected. Instead of financial contributions, some guests were allegedly offered to purchase equipment (motorcycles, etc.), which the 'For Vyatka' charity fund would transfer to Kirovian VSU fighters. As interviewees note, financial donations are suggested to be transferred directly to the fund outside of the event framework.

      Nevertheless, for most outsiders and especially critical observers remains the unanswered question of who will cover the anniversary expenses. "And who is paying for the banquet itself? Or will the 250 guests come with their thermoses and salads in containers?" sarcastically questions a well-known politician, clearly not invited to the celebration.

      He, in turn, believes that there is nothing shameful about celebrating one's own anniversary — after all, the governor is also human.

      Another interlocutor considers that the regional leader, given the close attention from the public and critics to his person, will cover all expenses himself.

      By the way, previous Kirov governors traditionally celebrated their anniversaries. For example, party lover Nikita Belykh invited a couple of dozen friends to a dacha on Chyornoye Lake. Nikolay Shaklein marked his anniversary privately, sometimes preferring feasts at "Rossiya" or "Vyatka." Vladimir Sergienkov received congratulations in his office. And Alexander Sokolov's predecessor, Igor Vasilyev, preferred to celebrate his birthday outside the region.

      Probably, the reason, if one doubts the modesty of old politicians, was the still "curious power structures" and "uncouth deputies" who could demand a menu and receipts as a report (which security agencies would do without asking the honoree's permission if they wished). Today, none of the current officials would even dare to want to see the list of "benefactors" and their upcoming contributions.