On December 19, 2024, President Vladimir Putin will hold the annual event dubbed "Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin," which serves as both a major press conference and public forum.
Beginning at noon Moscow time, this year’s event promises to be particularly significant, with over 1.1 million inquiries already received by the program’s call center. Russians are expected to address pressing topics including social benefits, healthcare, and economic challenges, with the use of artificial intelligence to help process some of the questions for the first time.
Traditionally, this interactive forum allows citizens to not only raise concerns but also to offer suggestions directly to the president. Putin will personally select the questions to answer during the live broadcast and is committed to addressing every inquiry, ensuring no voice goes unacknowledged.
Anna Potapova, a member of the Ivanovo regional parliament, highlighted the importance of the event, stating, "Before the New Year, it is customary to summarize the past year. This is the key political event of the week, and many people expect discussions on major issues like education and health care." Potapova expressed confidence many questions would revolve around the special military operation and support measures for soldiers, topics currently weighing heavily on Russian families.
Journalists from various media outlets will participate as well. For example, Anastasia Plastinina, who previously asked about rising prices, received responses about measures taken to stabilize the egg market last year. Such direct interactions showcase the pressing issues faced by everyday citizens.
Questions can be submitted through various channels including telephone, SMS, the official website, and social media platforms. The event will be broadcasted live on several major television networks including Channel One, Rossiya 1, and NTV, ensuring widespread access.
Past years have demonstrated the event’s significance; the 2023 program lasted more than four hours, during which Putin responded to 67 questions selected from over 2 million submissions.
Alsou Maganova, chair of the Public Chamber of Yugra, emphasized the direct communication offered by the direct line. She remarked, "For many citizens, this is not just about asking questions but also having their problems addressed directly, particularly when they encounter bureaucratic hurdles at the local level. This interaction is invaluable to the president as it provides insights about the real issues facing the country."
Preparations for the 2024 address have garnered attention due to the incorporation of AI, aimed at streamlining question processing and enhancing engagement. According to initial reports, the most common concerns revolve around housing and communal services (Zhkh), economic stability, and health services.
“The direct line with Vladimir Putin is not just about receiving inquiries; it’s about fostering dialogue,” expressed Yuri Klepikow, chairman of the Belgorod Regional Duma. “It signifies the president’s engagement with the populace and responds to the societal issues of the day.”
This year’s event has gained heightened anticipation not only within Russia but globally, with citizens eager to understand the government’s stance on pressing matters, particularly those related to the current geopolitical climate.
Each year, the high volume of inquiries reflects the populace's desire for clarification on pressing issues and direct communication without intermediaries. Political analyst Alexander Strizoe articulated the importance of this direct interaction, noting, "This event allows us to understand what citizens desire from the government, especially amid significant changes both domestically and internationally."
The upcoming direct line with Vladimir Putin, slated for over four hours, promises to be another landmark communication bridge between the Russian leadership and its citizens.
