Smolensk Regional Duma celebrated its 30th anniversary | 04/24/2024

On April 24, 2024, a gala event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Smolensk Regional Duma took place in Smolensk. The ceremony began with a documentary film about the history of the regional parliament and its work today.

The solemn meeting was attended by Chairman of the Smolensk Regional Duma Igor Lyakhov and parliamentarians of various convocations, Governor of the Smolensk Region Vasily Anokhin, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Sergei Neverov, State Duma deputies Artem Turov and Nikolai Ivanov, senators Artem Malashchenkov and Ruslan Smashnev, Chief Federal Inspector for the Smolensk Region Yuri Streletsky, as well as heads of federal structures and the clergy.

In his greeting, Igor Lyakhov said that over three decades the Smolensk Regional Duma has done a lot: key regulations have been adopted, including the Charter of the Smolensk Region, the fundamental principles of regional legislation have been formed, regulating literally all aspects of the life of the Smolensk region:

“For this I want to sincerely thank the deputies of the regional parliament of all 6 previous convocations. In many ways, they were pioneers who relied not only on the traditions of domestic parliamentarism, but also on their own life, professional and managerial experience.

According to Igor Lyakhov, the thirty-year history of the Duma has shown that deputies of the regional legislative assembly adequately cope with difficult tasks and modern challenges. Today, in addition to lawmaking and work in the districts, the highest priority task is to provide assistance to the SVO soldiers, their loved ones and the families of the victims.

The head of the regional legislative assembly noted that the work being carried out is being carried out in constructive interaction with the Governor, the executive branch of the region, federal and municipal authorities, law enforcement agencies, the judicial system, the clergy and public organizations, as well as with colleagues from the Federal Assembly and representatives of legislative bodies of other constituent entities of the country.

Congratulating the participants of the event on the anniversary, Governor Vasily Anokhin emphasized that the deputies are responsible, professional people who have earned the respect of Smolensk residents.

— Our fellow countrymen vote for you because you have earned their trust. By your actions, no matter in what area – in budgetary institutions, private business, public activities – you do a lot of useful things for your constituents. Today the region has serious plans set by the President of the country, Vladimir Putin. We need to fulfill them. To do this, we need to work as one unified team to ensure an improvement in the quality of life of Smolensk residents, the development of our region and stability in society. I have no doubt that together with all the assigned tasks we will cope,” concluded the Head of the region.

The great role of the Smolensk Regional Duma in the formation of civil society, as well as the importance of the legislative decisions taken, was noted by Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Sergei Neverov:

— 30 ​​years in the history of the Smolensk region is a moment, and 30 years in the history of Smolensk parliamentarism is a serious milestone. Over the past years, you have created a powerful regulatory legal framework aimed at developing the region’s economy and social support for citizens. Regardless of political affiliation, despite any challenges – a pandemic, sanctions, a special military operation – you solve the problems of the residents of the region. It is very important that you are always with people. I wish everyone victory and peace, success and prosperity for Russia and the Smolensk region.

During the event, congratulations were read to the deputy corps from State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko, and Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Central Federal District Igor Shchegolev.

Metropolitan Isidor of Smolensk and Dorogobuzh and other representatives of the regional diocese spoke with wishes for further effective activities.

For their fruitful work, a number of deputies and staff members were awarded Certificates of Honor from the Smolensk Region and the Smolensk Regional Duma, Letters of Gratitude from the Chairmen of the State Duma and the Federation Council, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Central Federal District, the Chief Federal Inspector for the Smolensk Region, Bishops and Certificates of Gratitude from the Smolensk Diocese.

Speaker of the regional Duma Igor Lyakhov and chairman of the budget and finance committee Nikolai Dementyev were awarded the Badge of Honor of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation “For services in the development of parliamentarism.”

Let us recall that the elections of deputies to the Smolensk Regional Duma of the first convocation were held on March 20, 1994. Parliamentarians met for their first meeting on April 14.

Over three decades, more than 350 meetings were held and more than 4,000 regional laws were adopted, by which the region now lives.

There are more than 200 deputies of all seven convocations. Each of them contributed something new over the years. But the goal for everyone remained and remains the same – improving the quality of life of Smolensk residents and passing laws to protect their interests.