Igor Golovchak, the administrative head of Vilyuchinsk—a restricted-access town in Kamchatka—has submitted a request for early resignation to the local Duma, as reported by Kamchatka Segodnya.
Vasily Shevtsov, chair of the Vilyuchinsk Duma, confirmed receipt of Golovchak’s resignation. Within the next ten days, Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov will name an interim acting mayor for the closed city.
Golovchak’s resignation follows Governor Solodov’s call for his removal. In a Telegram post, Solodov stated that Vilyuchinsk residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the local administration’s performance, with complaints escalating after a recent earthquake.
After visiting the town, Solodov said he had "personally confirmed the validity of residents’ grievances." He deemed the city administration’s work—particularly its emergency response—"unsatisfactory," prompting his demand for Golovchak’s resignation.
In Vilyuchinsk, a closed administrative-territorial zone, mayors are appointed by the City Duma. Golovchak assumed office in March 2024, succeeding Sergei Potapov, who was dismissed over unresolved conflicts of interest within the administration.
On July 30, Kamchatka experienced its strongest earthquake in seven decades, triggering a tsunami and awakening seven volcanoes. Aftershocks persist, and satellite imagery reviewed by The New York Times revealed damage to a nuclear submarine base pier in Vilyuchinsk.