Paul
Goble
Staunton, September 16 – A reshuffling
in the government of the Republic of Tatarstan that has led to the appointment
of MVD Lieutenant General Asgat Safarov as head of the republic presidential
apparatus has prompted “Zvezda Povolzhya” editor Rashit Akhmetov so speak of
him as a potential Charles de Gaulle for that Middle Volga republic.
In an article published yesterday,
Akhmetov argues that the appointment of Yury Kamaltynov, who had been
presidential chief of staff, to the position of vice prime minister, and the
appointment of Safarov, the former head of the republic MVD who has been close
to former republic leader Mintimir Shaymiyev, in his place is “a signal event” (zvezdapovolzhya.ru/obshestvo/periskop-15-09-2013.html).
The reasons for that conclusion,
Akhmetov suggests, are to be found in Safarov’s personality and standing not
only in Tatarstan but beyond its borders as well as in the current situation
and aspirations of the Republic of Tatarstan for development, democracy, and
sovereignty.
An authoritative and respected
figure in Tatarstan, Safarov has “create the most powerful regional interior
ministry in Russia,” something that is reflected in the “not widely advertised
fact” that Kazan rather than Moscow has been routinely hosting conferences of
law enforcement personnel both domestically and internationally.
Moreover, Akhmetov writes, Safarov
distinguished himself in ensuring the safe and efficient conduct of the
Universiade games, even though many wanted them to fail in order to embarrass
Tatarstan.
Perhaps most important, according to
Akhmetov, Safarov is “one of the closest people” to Shaimiyev, someone who
suppressed challenges to the former president and consequently a man whose
return to the presidential apparatus represents “a return of Shaimiyev” and
Shaimiyev’s approach as well.
The
new presidential chief of staff succeeded in “destroying many organized
criminal groups in Tatarstan” and his book about that was a best seller, not
least of all because Safarov “was not afraid to publish certain sensational and
hitherto unknown details about the crimes” they were involved in.
Safarov’s
new post is unlikely to be his last or his highest, Akhmetov says. Russian
President Vladimir Putin may very well ask the current republic president,
Rustam Minnikhanov, to move to Moscow and head up the Russian government’s
construction program in the wake of this year’s flooding.
If
that happens, then “Safarov could be appointed president of Tatarstan,”
Akhmetov says. Putin could count on him
to keep Tatarstan under control and deliver support to the Russian president
the support he requires. But Safarov’s personal abilities mean that
ultimately he could play an even larger role.
Indeed,
the “Zvezda Povolzhya” editor says, “General Safarov in certain ways recalls
[French] General de Gaulle.”
That
is because there are forces at work that are “transforming Tatarstan de facto
into a subject of international law.” Akhmetov notes that “Shaymiyev declared
as his goal the conversion of Tatarstan into a European region; Minnikhanov
speaks about it becoming a ‘Russian Singapore.’” And now people are talking
about it becoming “like California in the US” with a Silicon Valley near Kazan.
Safarov
has a broad understanding and “the force and desire ‘to storm heaven’ in a good
sense,” Akhmetov continues. “Tatarstan
must become an experimental democratic space in Russia.” Safarov certainly recognizes this and will
use his skills to promote rather than retard the course. And he knows, to use “the
language of Obama,” that Tatarstan needs “a reset.”
At
the very least and regardless of what some may want, Safarov’s elevation is an
indication that “there won’t be any gubernization of Tatarstan.” That is now “impossible.” Indeed, things must rapidly move in just the
opposite direction – or “a new crisis” arising from “the unjust status quo” is “inevitable,”
something Safarov could either prevent or exploit.
No comments:
Post a Comment