Matviyenko, a close friend of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, has parlayed a long career in Russian government. She started out in the Communist Party's youth wing, the Komsomol; was elected to the Soviet parliament; and later served as ambassador to Malta and Greece.

Her election to governor in 2003 was criticized for being orchestrated by Putin, a native of the city. Known for her flaming-red hair and outrageous clothes (she's worn zebra-striped suits to public events), Matviyenko has been active in attracting foreign investment to her strategically located region.