Homophobic mayor set for fifth term in office
The Mayor of Moscow looks set to be re-appointed to the role he has held since 1992.
In Putin’s Russia, local officials like Yuri Luzhkov are no longer elected, so the decision about his future is in the gift of President.
It is thought that the President views the outspoken mayor as an important part of maintaining stability in Russia, and has hinted he will retain Luzhkov in the role until 2012.
The 71-year-old Mayor is well-known to Western activists for his trenchant opposition to gay rights.
He banned the 2006 and 2007 gay Pride marches, and has vowed never to let gay people march in his city, calling Pride organisers “Satanic.”
Mr Luzhkov says he will not allow a gay pride parade “in any form” and that any attempt to march in the streets will be “resolutely quashed.”
The quashing of resistance applies not just to gay people but to other who protest against the President.
Mr Putin has vowed to stand down from office next year.