Putin accepts Sobyanin's resignation as Moscow mayor, appoints him acting mayor - decree
MOSCOW. June 5 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree accepting Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin's voluntary resignation and appointing him acting Moscow mayor "until a person elected as Moscow mayor takes office," the presidential press service reported on Wednesday.
Meeting with Sobyanin earlier on Wednesday, Putin agreed with his proposal on holding early elections in Moscow and expressed the hope that he would continue to work efficiently. "We have been working together with you for a long time," he said.
Sobyanin noted that, for the first time in the past 30 years, "an opportunity has emerged for a mayor to voluntarily step down and for holding early elections."
"It would be right if elections are held this year," he said.
Sobyanin asked the president to accept his resignation and appoint an acting mayor.
Putin said addressing Sobyanin, "I am asking you to ensure smooth operation of all city services, despite domestic political events. There should be special order in a major metropolis like Moscow, and I know your potential."
Putin asked Sobyanin whether he planned to run in mayoral elections. Sobyanin answered that he did, adding, "A lot of serious programs have been developed in the city, and I would like to implement them."
Mayoral elections in Moscow are expected to be called on September 8, 2013.
The Moscow City Duma invested Sobyanin, nominated by then President Dmitry Medvedev, with mayoral duties for five years on October 21, 2010.
