The mayor of Orenburg Sergei Salmin has allegedly complained to the FSB about blogger Andrei Lysenko. In an interview, the mayor called media administrators "jerks" and expressed regret that they "have never been punched in the face." The blogger challenged him to a duel because he had criticized the mayor "openly." Lysenko told the 7x7 media about the incident on March 27, citing sources in the mayor's office.
Allegedly, the Mayor of Orenburg, Sergey Salmin, has filed a complaint with the FSB against blogger Andrei Lysenko, who openly criticized him. The complaint was filed following an interview in which Salmin stated that anonymous telegram channels were publishing negative comments about him “for money.” Lysenko responded by challenging Salmin to meet “on camera” if he was "a man," and said he was ready to be punched in the face. The blogger went on to criticize the mayor for not fulfilling his promises, for failing to execute court decisions, and for the poor state of the roads.
The mayor's office has denied the allegations, claiming that Salmin's words were taken out of context. However, Nina Ostanina, a Duma member, criticized Salmin's behavior as "disrespectful" and "discrediting" to the authorities. She called on Governor Denis Pasler to evaluate the situation and take appropriate measures.
Salmin is not an elected mayor but was appointed by city council members in March 2022. Previously, Salmin worked as a sports coach, tried doing business, and supported young wrestlers. In 2015 he became a member of the Buzuluk City Council, and in 2018 he was appointed to his current position. Upon taking office, residents complained about the poor transportation reform in the city and inefficient winter cleaning. The publication Orenday reports that they haven’t received responses from the mayor's office to inquiries.
