Penza, 22 June 2021. PenzaNews. Officials laid flowers at the grave of former governor of Penza region Vasily Bochkarev, who had led the region for 17 years.

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Addressing participants in the commemorative event marking the fifth anniversary of the politician’s death, acting Penza region governor Oleg Melnichenko noted that the modern image of the region had been shaped by Vasily Bochkarev’s time in office.

“He was a very experienced, wise leader. He was a good governor,” he said.

For his part, former governor of Saratov region, Dmitry Ayatskov, who also visited Vasily Bochkarev’s grave, expressed an opinion that the former governor had been a figure of federal importance.

“He did a lot for Penza region,” the press service of the regional government quoted Dmitry Ayatskov as saying.