OREANDA-NEWS. May 29, 2012. At the session of the Legislative Assembly of the republic the deputies have confirmed Alexander Khudilainen's appointment as head of the region. His candidacy was nominated for consideration by the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Karelia by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. A.Khudilainen's candidacy was supported by 41 deputies, 8 voted against.

Chairman of the regional parliament Vladimir Semenov presided at the session. Presidential Envoy to the Northwestern Federal District Nikolai Vinnichenko, the State Duma deputy Valentina Pivnenko, Chief Federal Inspector in the Republic of Karelia Alexander Hynninen, members of the Federation Council Sergey Katanandov and Vladimir Fedorov, Ministers of the Government of Karelia, heads of federal executive bodies, delegation of deputies of the Legislative Assembly of the Leningrad Region, numerous guests have taken part in the session.

On behalf of the President of Russia the candidacy for the post of head of the region to members of the parliament was presented by Presidential Envoy Nikolai Vinnichenko.

Before the beginning of voting Alexander Khudilainen has addressed to deputies, and first of all, has mentioned, that he takes confidence vested in him by the President of Russia as an immense responsibility.

– Karelia is a beautiful land with a vast potential. Its favourable geopolitic position, unique natural riches, presence of qualified personnel, good traditions make it possible to speak about good prospects with confidence. At the same time, it is also necessary to consider soundly lots of problems which citizens of Karelia expect to be solved. It is very important now to use the existing economic potential efficiently, to enable development of small business, to develop conditions for obilization of investments in the republic to create new jobs, to increase wages, – A.Khudilainen has told.

No less important, in his opinion, is to improve the interbudgetary relations with stimulation of development of territories. Local self-government also needs special attention, growth of its rating and improvement of financial opportunities of execution of powers.

He has also assured the deputies that he is willing to work, and he has got the necessary skills, and will do his best to let Karelia take a rightful place in the the Russian Federation. Alexander Khudilainen has expressed gratitude to former heads of the republic Sergey Katanandov and Andrei Nelidov for good groundwork on mobilization of investment projects, gasification which will be claimed.

All fractions and associations of deputies, except for the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, have supported Alexander Khudilainen's appointment for the post of the Head of Karelia.

Right after the session of the Legislative Assembly there took place the inaugural ceremony. Alexander Khudilainen has taken the oath on the Constitution of Karelia in presence of deputies, members of the Constitutional Court of the republic and the guests: "I swear at exercise of powers of the Head of the Republic of Karelia to respect and protect human and civil rights and freedoms, to observe and protect the Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal laws, the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Karelia, to serve the people truly."

The first to greet the newly appointed Head of Karelia and the guests was Nikolay Vinnichenko. The Presidential Envoy has thanked the deputies for almost unanimous support of the candidacy for the post of Head of the region. He has mentioned, that Alexander Khudilainen has a broad administrative experience, he is a talented politician and a strong business executive – he has supervised over different structures, including of a municipal level, and recently worked successfully in the capacity of the Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Leningrad Region. Besides, Nikolay Vinnichenko has pointed out, Alexander Khudilainen is a person not indifferent and able to solve problems.

– It is not only experience, but also a great desire to change the situation to the beter, will become, of course, fundamental to his successful work in the republic, – Nikolay Vinnichenko said.

The Presidential Envoy has also thanked the ex-Head of Karelia for his work, having expressed confidence that the new head of the region will support positive initiatives that have taken root under Andrei Nelidov.

In turn, Andrei Nelidov has thanked everyone who worked with him, having noted that he hopes to promote development of Karelia in his further work.

Alexander Khudilainen was congratulated by the State Duma deputy Valentina Pivnenko and acting Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Leningrad Region Sergey Bebenin.

Valentina Pivnenko has wished Head of the region to rely on and cooperate with the deputies and with the public of republic more and has assured that deputies of the State Duma are ready to help and support all initiatives focused on improvement of life in Karelia.

Sergey Bebenin, in turn, has made a special mention of Alexander Khudilainen's great experience, his responsibility and capacity for work.

Besides congratulations were stated by Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of Karelia Vladimir Semenov, head of the administration of Sortavala region Leonid Gulevich, secretary of the Public Chamber of Karelia Natalia Vavilova.

In response Alexander Khudilainen has thanked the deputies for the confidence vested in him, having although emphasized, that hs is no wizard, and problems the republic faces can not be solved in an instant.

At that, Head of Karelia said: "I promise, that there will be a lot of laborious tasks to fulfill. It will take not one day and will demand not only diligence from us, but also personal and collective responsibility. Together we can approach complex solution of current problems, to consider all nuances, features, interests of certain territories, branches and social groups, without losing the sight of the general picture of development of the republic."

Alexander Khudilainen has especially noted, that the republic has preconditions for association of constructive forces, everything depends on good will, wisdom and foresight of those who care for the fortunes of Karelia.

 Answering questions of journalists after the ceremony, Alexander Khudilainen has noted that Karelia is not an alien region to him, he knows well the mentality of people living here, is ready to work a lot, including on mobilization of investors with whom, in the opinion of the Head of republic, first of all, it is necessary to build confidential and respectful relations.

Alexander Khudilainen has also emphasized: "Karelia has a vast potential, all we have to do is just use it competently. Using the groundwork of previous heads of the region, using reasonable initiatives of the population, we shall do our best for the benefit of the republic."