The end of 2021 was very active for the well-known academician in Buryatia, Arnold Tulokhonov, who made frequent statements and gave interviews almost every week.
At the same time, the source where these statements are first published always remains the same, indicating that the real owners of this source have significant political plans for the academician.
Despite his old age, Tulokhonov continues to speak out on various current topics through his weekly statements. Arnold Kirillovich has political experience as he served two terms in the People’s Khural and four years in the Federation Council before being recalled by the head of Buryatia, Vyacheslav Nagovitsyn.
The years have mellowed Tulokhonov's opposition, as evidenced by his patriotic appeals to western partners, and Nagovitsyn is no longer in a position to make decisions. It's ironic that Tulokhonov could potentially replace him. Alexei Tsydenov’s term as the head of Buryatia expires in September 2022, and if re-elected, he could replace Tulokhonov in the upper house.
Currently, Nagovitsyn holds the position, and his appointment to the Federation Council in 2017 was a nod to political tradition, offering a comfortable retirement in exchange for loyalty. However, five years in Moscow might be sufficient for the former head of Buryatia, should the position need to be vacated for someone else.
Arnold Tulokhonov could be the next person, with his public relations currently being managed through the resources of the New Media Group—a major off-line information asset of the Square of the Soviets in 2022.
The New Media Group is actually owned by the deputy chairman of the government of Buryatia, Yevgeny Lukovnikov, who controls the media network with the support of construction businessman Vladimir Batuev. Tulokhonov's promotion to office could be both the initiative of this group and a direct order from the republic's leadership, making him a significant influencer due to his popularity.
There may even be talk of formalizing the academician's political activities without the involvement of United Russia—perhaps through another party or by self-nomination. Nonetheless, a party membership is not necessary to enter the Federation Council under the quota of the head of Buryatia. This represents a completely new political group, with individuals possibly linked to Batuev, although it's evident that a dubious businessman has minimal influence on personnel selection.
It's important for the authorities of Buryatia to closely monitor the activities of the new media group and its political moves. Although Deputy Chairman Lukovnikov is currently loyal, the nature of his work, which involves numerous corrupt and semi-corrupt schemes, could lead him to prioritize his own interests at any moment. At such a juncture, a media group, and especially an informal political organization, could become crucial and highly risky assets for the Soviet Square.
