The competition for the title of Honorary Citizen of St. Petersburg has become significantly less crowded, with two candidates voluntarily withdrawing from the race. Initially, five individuals were vying for this prestigious title, but now only three remain in contention.
On April 21, 2025, Alexander Belsky, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, announced that Ekaterina Tuturova and Zoya Chalova had decided to step back from the competition. Tuturova is the head of the council of veterans of the Leningrad Army of Popular Resistance, while Chalova serves as the director of the Mayakovsky Public Library.
Following their withdrawal, the remaining candidates are General-Major of Aviation Vasily Volobuev, veteran of the Great Patriotic War Zinoviy Merkin, and Elena Tikhomirova, the head of the organization representing the residents of Blockaded Leningrad. Belsky noted that the decision regarding who will be awarded the title will be made during a closed meeting before May 1, 2025.
The title of Honorary Citizen is not just a mark of respect; it comes with a range of privileges, including priority receptions with city leadership, the ability to propose legislative initiatives, and free travel within the city. This honor has been awarded to notable figures in the past, including scholars Eduard Ailamazyan and Dmitry Granov, as well as artist David Goloshchekin, in 2024.
Belsky emphasized the importance of the title, stating, "It reflects the contributions of individuals to the city and its history." The withdrawal of Tuturova and Chalova has left the competition more concentrated, and it remains to be seen who will ultimately receive this significant recognition.
As the city prepares for the final decision, many are looking forward to the announcement, hoping it highlights the contributions of those who have dedicated their lives to serving the community and preserving its history.
St. Petersburg, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, continues to honor those who have made remarkable contributions to the city and its residents. The title of Honorary Citizen serves as a reminder of the values of service and dedication that are cherished in this vibrant community.
