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Rustam Minnikhanov Re-Elected as Head of Tatarstan
15 Sep. 10:35On September 15, 2025, the Central Election Commission of Russia announced that Rustam Minnikhanov had won the election for the head of the Republic of Tatarstan, securing 88.09% of the vote. The results were confirmed after 100% of the ballots were counted, according to RIA Novosti.
Four candidates ran in the election. In addition to Minnikhanov, who represented the United Russia party, the race included Hafiz Mirgalimov (Communist Party), Vitaly Smirnov (Party of Pensioners), and Ruslan Yusupov (LDPR).
At 68 years old, Minnikhanov has been leading Tatarstan since 2010. Prior to that, he served as the republic’s Prime Minister from 2005 to 2010. He was re-elected in both 2015 and 2020.
In January 2023, Minnikhanov signed a constitutional amendment officially renaming the position as "Head" or "Rais" of the republic.
Throughout his tenure, Minnikhanov has received several state awards, including the Turkmenistan "Garaşsyzlyk" (Independence) Order in 2021 for his contributions to interregional cooperation.
Tatarstan continues to play a strategic role in fostering Russian-Turkmen relations at the regional level. According to Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the republic holds a special place among Russian regions due to its strong industrial base and deep-rooted historical ties with the Turkmen people. Cooperation continues to grow in sectors such as industry, trade, transport, and agriculture.
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Irishman Enters Guinness World Records After Walking 6,805 km Barefoot from Istanbul to Ireland
13 Sep. 13:1334-year-old Irishman Eamon Keaveney has earned a place in the Guinness World Records after walking 6,805.83 kilometers barefoot from Istanbul to his hometown of Claremorris. Crossing 10 countries, he completed the grueling journey over the course of 369 days. His route spanned Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Germany, France, England, Wales, and ultimately Ireland.
Reflecting on the trek, Keaveney noted severe physical challenges, including extreme terrain injuries, summer heat, and freezing winter weather that periodically halted his progress. However, he highlighted the overwhelming hospitality of locals along the way, who frequently offered him shelter, meals, and guidance.
Keaveney previously set a world record in 2016 by walking 2,080 kilometers barefoot across Ireland. He also holds a world record for the fastest crossing of Ireland on a unicycle.
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