Kirov residents have more than the Papuans: Albert Bikaluk on the abundance of holidays, the opacity of the capital repair fund, and the governor's resignation.

      Commenting on the influence of the regional government on the economy, Bikalyuk noted that more attention is being paid to the event and entertainment life of the region rather than the economy. According to him, in terms of the number of holidays, the region has become "the first in the world," even surpassing "the Papuans in African republics." This is happening against the backdrop of a difficult budget situation and disputes over the inefficient use of funds.

      According to a report from the regional Audit Chamber, the majority of purchases out of 41 billion rubles are non-competitive, and the customer is not required to justify the contract price, which is concluded with a single supplier. In some cases, the limits for purchases from a single supplier range from 5 to 20 million rubles per transaction.

      "This is a windfall for those who spend budget money," the deputy noted, pointing to the lack of control.

      Bikalyuk described the activities of the capital repair fund as essentially "classified." According to him, at the beginning of 2024, the fund had 3.4 billion rubles, and by 2025, this amount increased by another 2 billion, although contracts for "painting" facades before the holiday were concluded for 7.5-8 billion rubles. Even despite a loan of 1 billion rubles, the parliamentarian believes that "things are still bad for them."

      Due to the fund's reputation, contractors are in no hurry to conclude new contracts with it. Almost all tenders announced by them in March were declared unsuccessful. According to Albert Bikalyuk, there may be two reasons: either the contractors have simply lost trust in the fund, or the financial situation is so dire that the tenders were conducted "for show" and in such a way that contractors see no point in such a contract.

      To optimize the region's expenses, the deputy proposed to reduce the staff of the Ministry of Economic Development, replacing them with artificial intelligence. The current activities of the department, consisting of 50-60 people, are engaged in "simulating vigorous activity" and preparing reports, which would take AI just a few seconds. With a budget deficit, he finds it logical to cut expenses on an ineffective ministry: "The region will work just the same, nothing will happen."

      "I will criticize!" Bikalyuk declared and added that he has already raised all these issues at the level of the State Duma. According to the deputy, this could lead to the governor's resignation.