Experts of Tatarstan: Veterans can become "conductors of social justice"

      Representatives of Tatarstan at the Expert Club commented on their understanding of the role of former participants of the special military operation in the system of state governance. "Veterans of the special military operation in the system of state governance will be able to perform the function of the people's conscience. People who have faced the front, risking their lives for the Motherland and witnessing the death of their comrades, receive a kind of immunity from pettiness and selfishness," stated, in particular, the first vice-rector and vice-rector for research at Kazan Innovative University, Igor Bikeyev. According to the public figure, veterans will speak the truth in situations where ordinary people might remain silent, and will become "conductors of social justice." "<...> of course, I expect from them a responsible attitude towards their new activities, the same as they previously demonstrated in military service," he added. Regarding the participation of former special operation fighters in the Tatarstan primaries of United Russia, Bikeyev noted that he counted eight of their names on the ballot for preliminary voting. Among them are Hero of Russia, Colonel General Alexander Lapin and State Council Deputy of the Republic of Tatarstan Eduard Sharafiev. "These people are personally known to me and enjoy great and well-deserved respect," he added. Member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation from Tatarstan Olga Pavlova expressed confidence that the formation of a new managerial elite today is directly related to the demand "for people who have been tested not by political technologies, but by real responsibility." For this reason, in her opinion, the "Time of Heroes" program and the participation of special operation fighters in the United Russia primaries "have not only personnel significance but also ideological importance for the entire system of state governance." Pavlova believes that participants of the special military operation come into politics and government "with a completely different understanding of the price of decisions" – behind them is experience working in extreme conditions, a high level of personal discipline, and the ability to act under time and resource constraints. "But the main thing is that they have a very clear understanding of what the state exists for and what serving the country means not in words, but in deeds. Today, the state system needs exactly such people," she is convinced. In her opinion, former servicemen "are capable of significantly strengthening the municipal and regional level of power because they have a high level of trust from society." At the same time, according to the public figure, it is extremely important that President Vladimir Putin is building not a one-time story, but a full-fledged system for training personnel. As an example, she cited the "Time of Heroes" program. In Tatarstan, we also see a high interest among special operation participants in public and political activities, including the preliminary voting procedure. Many of them are already actively working with youth, engaging in patriotic and social projects, helping the families of servicemen, and participating in the development of territories, Pavlova listed. She suggested that this is due to the need for "people with an inner core," capable of uniting others around them and making decisions in the interests of the country. Deputy Chairman of the State Council Committee of Tatarstan on Legality and Law and Order Rinat Fazylov agreed that the role of those who have undergone the special operation should be strengthened in the updated system of state governance. In his opinion, they possess discipline, the ability to work in difficult conditions, responsibility, and loyalty to their country. "Involving participants of the special military operation in various state structures will contribute to the renewal of the managerial and political elite and increase the effectiveness of government bodies," added the candidate of legal sciences. At the same time, he noted that the greatest effect will be achieved if veterans and active servicemen undergo serious training in programs such as "Time of Heroes" and acquire managerial competencies. Currently, eight participants of the special operation are registered to participate in the preliminary voting of United Russia in Tatarstan, he clarified. Member of the Russian Association of Political Science Zoya Silaeva stated that the integration of participants of the special military operation into the updated system of state governance is becoming one of the key vectors of personnel policy set by the head of state. In her opinion, the role of special operation fighters in the state governance system can logically be seen primarily in strengthening the "front line" of power – municipalities and regions. "Their practical experience of working under resource scarcity, high uncertainty, and constant risk can become an important resource for increasing the effectiveness of administration, especially where decisions need to be made quickly and in close interaction with the population," suggested the political scientist. Veterans are capable of bringing a culture of service, teamwork, and personal responsibility for results into politics, as well as increasing the legitimacy of power through personal authority and biographies that are understandable to people, she added. At the same time, in Silaeva's opinion, the constructive potential of this wave is realized only in the presence of serious institutional filters, as combat experience alone does not equate to managerial competence. Therefore, systematic training is necessary – from a basic understanding of the budget process and norm-setting to skills in public communication and conflict resolution. "Otherwise, there is a risk of transferring the logic of the front – a rigid vertical of command – into complex civilian spheres that require a balance of interests and dialogue. Therefore, the strategic task of the state and the party is to turn the heroes of the special military operation not only into symbols but also into professional managers who connect the motivation of service with modern managerial culture," warned the expert.