‘Maybe We’ll Merge Them’: Governor Vows to Optimize ‘Kuzbass-Online’

The governor of Russia's Kemerovo region, Ilya Seredyuk, has promised to review and possibly merge the 'Kuzbass-Online' public complaints platform with social media channels after residents questioned its effectiveness.

Jan 31, 2026

Residents often bypass the official platform and take their concerns to social media instead.
Source:
Natalya Laptsevich / 74.RU

Residents of the Kemerovo region (Kuzbass) have questioned the effectiveness of the «Kuzbass-Online» platform for interaction between authorities and the public. The issue was raised during Governor Ilya Seredyuk«s direct line on Thursday, January 22.

Residents pointed out to the regional head that they more often write about pressing issues directly in the comments on social media pages of government representatives. Seredyuk agreed that with the development of social media and other internet resources, their functions may be duplicated. He stated it is necessary to study the platform«s results and optimize the process.

«Let’s conduct a survey, draw conclusions, and maybe merge them,» the governor proposed.

The special platform for public appeals was created in 2020. Over its existence, 470,000 people have registered, but in one year the platform responded to fewer than 50,000 appeals. Maintaining its operation costs about 20 million rubles (about $260,000 at current rates) over 12 months.