Nikolay Merkushkin

Nikolay Ivanovich Merkushkin (Russian: Николай Иванович Меркушкин, Moksha: Кола Меркушкин) (born February 5, 1951 in Novye Verkhissy, Mordovia) is a former Governor of Samara Oblast and a former head of the Republic of Mordovia in Russia. He held the latter office from September 22, 1995 to May 10, 2012. From January 24 to September 22, 1995 he was the Chairman of the State Assembly of Mordovia.

Nikolay Ivanovich Merkushkin Кола Меркушкин Николай Иванович Меркушкин
3rd Governor of Samara Oblast
In office 10 May 2012 – 25 September 2017
Preceded by	Vladimir Artyakov
Succeeded by	Dmitry Azarov
1st President of the Republic of Mordovia
In office September 22, 1995 – May 10, 2012
Succeeded by	Vladimir Volkov
Personal details
Born	(1951-02-05) February 5, 1951 Novye Verkhissy, Insarsky District, Mordovian ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Nationality	Mordvin
Political party	United Russia
Spouse(s)	Taisiya Merkushina
Alma mater	Mordovian State University
Profession	Politician

Merkushkin was an electrical engineer before entering politics. He was reelected president of Mordovia in 1998 and 2003 with 80% of the vote. He has maintained popularity by having a relatively stable economy in the republic and paying salaries and pensions on time. He has prevented opponents from running against him by disqualifying candidates which seem to have more than 3% invalid signatures. Merkushkin is married to Taisiya Merkushkina, an ethnic Erzyan and has two sons.

On 10 May 2012 Merkushkin resigned to become Acting Governor of Samara Oblast. He was replaced by his PM Vladimir Volkov.

On 25 September 2017 he was removed from the position of Governor of the Samara Region.[1]