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Farid Mukhametshin, the long-standing Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan, has officially announced his early resignation from his position and his role as a deputy. According to "Gazeta.ru," citing the press service of the regional parliament, Mukhametshin described this as a difficult but necessary decision. His departure marks the end of an era for one of Russia's most influential and stable regional legislative bodies.
Mukhametshin had held the post of Chairman since May 27, 1998, serving for nearly 28 consecutive years. Throughout his tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping the legislative landscape of Tatarstan and strengthening its position within the Russian Federation. His leadership was characterized by a focus on economic development, social stability, and the preservation of the republic's cultural identity through legal frameworks.
His political career, which began in the 1970s, included serving as the Prime Minister of Tatarstan from 1995 to 1998 before taking the helm of the parliament. Mukhametshin’s experience spanned decades of significant political and economic shifts, making him a central figure in the republic's modern history. In his farewell statement, he expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the public for their support over the years.
Following his resignation, Marat Akhmetov, the Deputy Chairman, will serve as the acting head of the State Council until a new speaker is officially elected. Political analysts suggest that Mukhametshin’s departure will lead to a transition period within the regional government as new leadership takes shape. His legacy in regional governance and parliamentary diplomacy will remain a significant part of Tatarstan's political foundation for years to come.


Facing a record drop in fertility rates, Singapore is significantly expanding its family support framework. According to Bloomberg, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced increases in direct financial assistance alongside enhanced housing benefits for young families.
Under the updated policy, every Singaporean child up to the age of 17 will be eligible to receive up to 70,000 Singapore dollars (approximately $55,000 USD) in total support, which includes cash payouts, educational grants, and related benefits. The government is also expanding paid parental leave and capping monthly out-of-pocket costs for government-subsidized childcare at 150 Singapore dollars.
These interventions aim to reverse a severe demographic decline, marked by last year's fertility rate drop to 0.87 children per woman, while over 20% of the country's population is currently aged 65 or older.