Russia's Georgy Filimonov restricts abortion, alcohol

Georgy Filimonov, the governor of Russia's Vologda region, has become known for ultra-conservative policies restricting abortion access and alcohol sales as he runs for the ruling United Russia party in parliamentary elections this month.

Filimonov, 46, is a former kickboxing champion who has governed the northwestern region since 2023. He is among socially conservative officials promoted by the Kremlin during Russia's war in Ukraine.

Women's rights groups accuse his administration of imposing a de-facto abortion ban. Human Rights Watch uses that description, while Irina Fainman of the independent Emergency Contraceptive Stockpile Fund said there is no formal decree but that pressure is being put on healthcare facilities through non-legislative measures.

Authorities say the abortion restrictions are meant to improve birthrates. Fainman said they instead lead to women travelling to other regions for abortions.

Filimonov has also made alcohol controls a central policy. A local law bans shops from selling alcoholic drinks outside a two-hour window between midday and 2 pm on weekdays.

In 2024, Filimonov erected a statue of Joseph Stalin in Vologda and called the Soviet dictator an extraordinary personality. Stalin was responsible for widespread mass killings and atrocities during his rule. The Kremlin has voiced no public objection to Filimonov's approach.