Perm Krai Deputy Prime Minister Resigns After Son's Controversial Bali Comments

A top Russian official resigns after his son's social media post disparaging their hometown sparks outrage, highlighting the scrutiny on public figures and their families in the digital age.

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Salman Akhtar
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Perm Krai Deputy Prime Minister Resigns After Son's Controversial Bali Comments

Perm Krai Deputy Prime Minister Resigns After Son's Controversial Bali Comments

Alexey Demkin, the deputy chairman of the government of Perm Krai, has resigned from his position following controversial statements made by his son Ilya Demkin disparaging their hometown of Perm while living in Bali, Indonesia. The younger Demkin posted a video online with the caption "On the mountain I Perm?" against the backdrop of Bali's scenic landscape, sparking outrage.

Alexey Demkin, who previously served as the mayor of Perm, cited his son's statements as the reason for stepping down from his role as deputy prime minister of the Perm Krai region, according to a report by the newspaper Kommersant-Prikamye. The resignation comes amid public backlash over Ilya Demkin's perceived slight against Perm in favor of the tropical island destination.

The incident has ignited discussions about the responsibilities of public officials and their families in representing their regions, even while abroad. Critics argue that Ilya Demkin's comments reflect poorly on Perm and undermine efforts to promote the city and attract investment.

Why this matters: The resignation of a high-ranking regional official over a family member's social media post highlights the increasing scrutiny on the conduct of public figures and their relatives in the digital age. It also underscores the importance of maintaining a positive image and loyalty to one's hometown, especially for those in leadership positions.

In a statement addressing his resignation, Alexey Demkin expressed regret over his son's actions and the negative impact they have had on Perm's reputation. "As a father and a public servant, I take full responsibility for my son's misguided comments," Demkin said. "I believe it is in the best interest of the Perm Krai government and its people that I step aside and allow new leadership to move forward without this distraction."

Key Takeaways

  • Perm Krai deputy PM resigns over son's disparaging comments about hometown Perm.
  • Son Ilya Demkin posted video from Bali criticizing Perm, sparking public backlash.
  • Resignation highlights scrutiny on public officials' families and their online conduct.
  • Maintaining positive image and loyalty to hometown is crucial for leaders.
  • Alexey Demkin takes responsibility for son's "misguided comments" and steps down.