On August 6, the Voronezh Oblast government posted a video from the state channel "TV Gubernia" on its Telegram channel, which was noticed by a "7x7" reader. The video warned that residents of Semiluki might freeze this winter due to a lack of heating.
"Life in Semiluki appears to be on hold due to the six-month absence of a mayor. Without their signature, virtually all municipal affairs have come to a standstill," the post reads.
The regional government added that, in the absence of a mayor, courtyards have been piling up with litter, garbage containers remain unemptied, and public transport has ceased operations.
The government has blamed the City Council deputies, who "formed an opposition," for the collapse. According to "TV Gubernia," these people "aim to install one of their own as the town's head" to pursue "personal interests." Independent deputies have reportedly refused to vote for the regional government's nominee, repeatedly disrupting elections and spoiling ballots.
The previous head of Semiluki, Alexander Shevelyukhin, was dismissed in 2023 due to corruption violations. Governor Alexander Gusev had to push for this in court, as Shevelyukhin was supported by deputies who voted against his removal.
In May, the head of the Semiluksky District, Gennady Shvyrkov, admitted that he lives elsewhere and is reluctant to raise his son in the district. Shvyrkov cited the disunity of local authorities as one of the reasons for his decision.