Ukhta Mayor Defends Budget Travel Policy Amid Hypocrisy Accusations
Ukhta Mayor Marina Metelyova has reaffirmed her commitment to budget-friendly travel, despite growing criticism online. Since November 2025, she has insisted on economy flights and standard hotel rooms for official trips. Yet public opinion has shifted, with many now questioning her consistency after reports of luxury spending emerged earlier this year.
Metelyova first announced her frugal travel policy in November 2025. At the time, social media users widely praised her for setting an example of accountability. By January 2026, however, reports surfaced suggesting she had used higher-end services on past trips.
The backlash intensified by March 2026, with critics accusing her of hypocrisy. Despite the growing mockery, she maintained that luxury accommodations were unnecessary for work-related travel. Local lawmakers even revised regulations to allow more expensive travel standards, but she refused to adjust her approach.
Metelyova has repeatedly stated that economy-class flights and standard rooms meet her needs. She argues that excessive spending on travel would send the wrong message to constituents. Her position remains firm, even as public scepticism grows.
The mayor's travel policy stays unchanged, despite both legislative flexibility and online criticism. She continues to reject luxury options, sticking to her original stance on cost-effective official trips. The debate over her choices, however, shows no signs of fading.
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