Kurdyumov and Morozova: Has the local discord transitioned into a political one?

      This provided food for thought, gossip, and concerns in the halls and corridors of legislative and executive power. While some suggest that "political heavyweight" Dmitry Alexandrovich can easily handle the task of "burying Irina Gennadyevna" in her political career, others believe that Morozova, who has maintained good relations with the leadership and staff of state — free — medicine, only needs to open her mouth, recalling "mischiefs" and "criminal miscalculations," as well as the "anti-people vector" of total commercialization of healthcare set by Dmitry Alexandrovich, to, to put it mildly, "cast doubt" on his suitability to oversee the medical sector.

      Moreover, practically the entire healthcare sector in Kirov — from the supply and sale of medical drugs and equipment, the research of biological materials (tests), patient nutrition in clinics, and assistance to the sick, where money circulates that far exceeds billion-dollar budgets for road construction, has now become a "commercial project" due to the efforts of the curator of Kirov's "social services."

      Meanwhile, Dmitry Kurdyumov has almost the only "claim" against Irina Morozova, stating that in the materials of the criminal case initiated at the beginning of last year regarding the "theft of bonuses" from employees of Kirov City Hospital No. 2, located on Gagarin Street in Novovyatka (according to investigators, about half a million rubles), the name of the deputy chief physician Natalia Shulyatyeva should not appear, but rather that of the vice-speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

      As suggested in the Ministry of Health, referring to the version of the deputy chair, the "bonus extortion" in the hospital likely went into Morozova's pocket, who headed the clinic from 2012 to 2021, leaving her position in October when she was elected deputy chair of the Legislative Assembly of the seventh convocation.

      However, conducting its own investigation in July of last year, Newsler.ru managed to speak with clinic staff who shared their opinions on when and why the relationship between Kurdyumov and Morozova soured "to difficult."

      "These were not the first extortions in medicine... Have you ever wondered how packages are collected? Schools bake pies for free, but no one goes to the pharmacy or warehouse for medications and buys aspirin, bandages, or tourniquets. Each chief physician receives a "directive": to hand over a certain amount of dressing materials, tablets, and other supplies. Previously, consumables were simply written off, and then, perhaps, they decided to take money... Maybe they wanted to buy something," the clinic staff shared.

      According to the interviewees, if the directive on "mandatory write-offs" still caused some understanding among the hospital management, the monetary extortions from medical personnel sparked a conflict: "Who wants to sit idle?"

      "Then, without much publicity, Morozova's successor — Elena Gertye — left her position. And the appointment of Natalia Shulyatyeva was understandable from the perspective that she did not resist the oral orders of the higher management. This deprived Morozova of specific knowledge — so that as vice-speaker, she wouldn't spoil someone's political career," the medical institution workers expressed their opinion.

      As explained by the interviewee, back in 2023, Morozova forgot the saying "the snotty are kissed during the time" and did not publicly discuss the hospital situation at the right time. However, today — on the eve of the elections to the Legislative Assembly — she knows for sure that her own weapon is directed against her.

      By the way, according to Kirov politicians, it may not be so obvious, but Irina Gennadyevna is supported by Roman Beresnev (speaker of the Legislative Assembly), Andrey Luchinin (vice-governor), and Mikhail Sandalov (head of the regional government). Probably, as one of the main contenders for a deputy mandate in the eighth convocation.

      This is related to the recent and not very pleasant conflict at the beginning of the election campaign, according to a source from the "gray house."

      "Dmitry Alexandrovich was appointed the chief responsible for the elections in Kirov. More precisely, he was tasked with ensuring voter turnout in the social sectors he oversees: doctors, educators — his area of influence over those who will go to vote 'as needed.' Of course, there was a 'mouse squeak': they say, he is so unpopular among the people — it wouldn't turn out worse... But it was decided that Kurdyumov wouldn't communicate with the entire electorate, but would instruct the directors of schools, sports institutions, and hospitals. And it is unlikely that they would disobey him," the source believes.

      As explained by the interviewee, according to the party version, Irina Morozova was mentioned as a candidate for deputy with a high degree of guardianship and support from the majority of votes.

      "Dmitry Alexandrovich — due to his arrogance — refused to help, but was allegedly put in his place by not being invited to the party meeting. After which the discussion of the Kurdyumov-Morozova conflict, which initially hissed and spat like two cats, moved into another phase — 'who is stronger'... Which naturally turned into reflections — if not him, then who?" the interviewee continues.

      "Initially, Dmitry Alexandrovich was called 'irreplaceable,' quarreling and forgiving him all his 'sins' due to his 'wild work ethic.' It seemed that no one else could work 24/7 while drinking half a hundred cups of coffee a day. Then, when the medical indicators of the industry demonstratively began to decline, it became genuinely interesting, what is the point and need to work so hard?" says a staff member of the medical department, referring to the opinions of young politicians — "over forty."

      The staff member explained that it was not in vain that thoughts began to arise about whether he had an alternative? And then it was suggested: maybe Sagomon Arakelyan, the current chief physician of the "filey hospital."

      "Some call Arakelyan 'Kurdyumov's shadow,' but 'demonstrating respect' does not negate his personal and administrative qualities. He thinks differently, and many believe that he is capable of restoring free medicine for the people," the medical staff shared.

      However, according to politicians who consider themselves part of the "old guard," since the time of Igor Vasilyev's leadership in the region, the name of another successor — Sergey Bakhin, the chief physician of the Oncology and Medical Radiology Center — has been mentioned more than once.