The Mayor of Sochi, Vladimir Afranasenkov, resigned Thursday according to the Russian News and Information Agency. Dzhambulat Khatuov, Sochi’s deputy Mayor, has been appointed acting Mayor by the Governor.
Afranasenkov cited health problems as the driving factor behind his decision; he said he will soon be undergoing surgery for a spine injury.
Afranasenkov became Mayor in July after the previous Mayor, Viktor Kolodyazhny resigned in order to lead the state corporation responsible for preparing the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
The Sochi Mayor is scheduled to receive the Olympic flag in February 2010 at the closing ceremonies of the Vancouver Olympic Games
