Anatoly Bykov makes present to Alexander Uss

Today former director of the Krasnoyarsk aluminum plant Anatoly Bykov, who is in prison now, reminded of himself. He gave an interview right before recommencement of hearing of his case in the Moscow inter-municipal court. Journalists were especially interested in Bykov’s opinion of gubernatorial elections scheduled in the Krasnoyarsk region for September 8.

Anatoly Bykov told journalists, he would not participate in the elections. It is quite naturally, as it is difficult to gain success being in prison. Although the former director of the aluminum plant has got many supporters in the Krasnoyarsk region, he would hardly win the elections. The Kremlin would not allow it. At the same time it is in Bykov’s competence to influence result of the elections.

He said in the interview, he supported incumbent chairman of the regional Legislative Assembly Alexander Uss. Indeed, everybody knows about close friendship between Bykov and Uss, so the desire to support the friend can be understood. A question arises, whether Alexander Uss himself needs such support. The federal authorities are unlikely to approve of the fact that a candidate to the gubernatorial post enjoys support of the former director of the Krasnoyarsk aluminum plant. The present-day situation requires that Moscow’s opinion is to be taken into consideration by all candidates to the gubernatorial post.

On the other hand, there are many supporters to Anatoly Bykov in the region. During the 2001 elections to the regional Legislative Assembly Anatoly Bykov’s coalition got 6 deputy seats, that means quite a lot. So, Bykov’s support would be really very useful for Alexander Uss, especially if some more popular politician also decides to participate in the elections. EMERCOM Minister Sergey Shoigu, for example.

However that may be, even being in prison, Anatoly Bykov still exerts influence on Krasnoyarsk’s political life. September elections will demonstrate, to what extent the influence is great. At the same time we will see, if Alexander Uss uses Bykov’s support or not.

Vasily Bubnov PRAVDA.Ru

In the photo: Anatoly Bykov

Translated by Maria Gousseva

Read the original in Russian: http://www.pravda.ru/main/2002/05/15/41156.html