The decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin that same day regarding the change of leadership in Dagestan was published on the Kremlin website. Head of the republic, Sergei Melikov, has resigned, and Fyodor Shchukin has been appointed acting head.
The Stavropol authorities explained the spending of 15 million rubles on Shaman’s concert, which will take place on September 14. The local Ministry of Culture said that they chose the singer because he has a “patriotic repertoire” and “spiritual-uplifting songs.”
“The choice of the artist Shaman for the celebration of Stavropol and Krai Day is connected with the patriotism of his repertoire, the spiritually uplifting songs he performs, which have a relevant sound at the present time,” the department responded.
Local residents asked to cancel the concert and use the money to lay asphalt. Earlier, Shaman was paid 15 million rubles for a small concert in Orenburg. Citizens expressed outrage, especially since the region has still not recovered from the spring flood.