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Alexander ShelkanovRussian political figure.
Date of Birth: 05.08.1939
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Alexander Shchelkanov: A Life in Politics and Public Service
- Military Service and Civilian Career
- Political Beginnings
- Chairman of the Leningrad City Executive Committee
- Post-Lensovet Activities
- Human Rights Advocacy
Alexander Shchelkanov: A Life in Politics and Public Service
Early Life and EducationAlexander Alexandrovich Shchelkanov was born on August 5, 1939, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). His parents, both engineers in the shipbuilding industry, played a significant role in shaping his upbringing. Shchelkanov graduated from the Leningrad Shipbuilding Institute in 1963 and later pursued further education at the Moscow Military Institute of Translators in 1977 and the North-West Academy of Public Administration in 1994.
Military Service and Civilian Career
Shchelkanov served in the Soviet Navy before retiring with the rank of Captain 1st Rank. After receiving his military pension, he worked in various civilian jobs, including as a presser operator and toolmaker at a plastic factory, and as a loader.
Political Beginnings
In 1989, Shchelkanov entered the political arena with support from the "Elections-89" committee. He was elected as a People's Deputy of the USSR from Territorial District 51 (Kirovsky District). As a member of the Interregional Deputy Group, he played a prominent role in advocating for democratic reforms. In 1989, he resigned from the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
Chairman of the Leningrad City Executive Committee
In 1990, Shchelkanov was elected Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Leningrad City Council (Lensovet). He resigned from this post in 1991 due to the abolition of the position and the election of the city's first mayor.
Post-Lensovet Activities
After leaving office, Shchelkanov established the Saint Petersburg Mission for Alternative Proposals, a non-profit public organization. He continued his political engagement by running for and winning election as an independent candidate to the Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg on two occasions: in 1994 and 1998. He did not participate in the 2002 election.
Human Rights Advocacy
In 2000, Shchelkanov unsuccessfully ran for the position of Human Rights Commissioner for Saint Petersburg, supported by the human rights organizations "Memorial" and "Civil Control." Despite receiving a strong number of votes in the first round, he did not secure enough support in the second round.
