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Three Barents Russian regions lacking stability

Arkhangelsk region is in the negative rating. Photo: Andrey Shalyov

Murmansk, Arkhangelsk and Karelia end up in the bottom of the latest rating of socio political stability of the Russian regions.

Location

“Expectations of economic decline don’t let the regions accumulate “the stock of strength”, says the “Peterburg Politics” Fund rating, analysing the situation in 83 regions of Russia.

The Yamal Nenets autonomous region is on top of the list with its 8.9 out of 10 points, despite the fact that Qatar Petroleum International failed to be a partner in Yamal LNG project.

The region became the second best in the rating due to 50 million rubles (€12.5 million) investment to modernization of the Salekhard plant, cooperation agreement between the region and the Severneftegazprom Company, and several regional social initiatives.

Murmansk region with 5.6 points is followed by Republic of Karelia with 5.1 points. Both regions showed decline of regional business profit, and had public protests against dramatic price raise on housing and public utilities.

One of the positive moments for Murmansk region was a public apology of the Governor Marina Kovtun for the housing utility crisis.

Arkhangelsk region rates the worst out of the Russian Barents with 4.9 points due to numerous political and corruption scandals.