Introduction
Russian opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin, who unsuccessfully attempted to challenge Vladimir Putin in the previous presidential election, has been declared bankrupt by a Moscow court.Context
The bankruptcy ruling came from an arbitration court following a petition filed in May 2024 by Rosenergobank, which has been in bankruptcy since 2017. The court determined that Nadezhdin had failed to fulfill obligations amounting to 77.4 million roubles.Developments
Nadezhdin, aged 61, previously served in the Russian parliament from 1999 to 2003 and ran an anti-war campaign against Putin in the March 2024 presidential election. His candidacy was ultimately hindered by the Central Election Commission, which uncovered irregularities in his supporters' signatures, including those of deceased individuals.Despite acknowledging his slim chances against Putin, who has ruled Russia since 1999, Nadezhdin's campaign resonated with voters opposed to the war in Ukraine. Consequently, Putin won a fifth term with a record 87.3% of the vote.
State news agency TASS revealed that Rosenergobank had loaned Nadezhdin $324,350 in 2015, securing the loan with two plots of land. The court has initiated proceedings for the sale of Nadezhdin's assets, as reported by TASS.
After the election, Nadezhdin maintained his position as a municipal deputy in Moscow until June 2024, when he resigned shortly after Rosenergobank's petition for his insolvency was filed.