Residents of Dagestan pointed out the lack of practical benefit from the Forum of Elders of Southern Russia.

The Forum of Elders of Southern Russia in Makhachkala has no practical benefit, as instead of solving the problems of low-income families, rising utility tariffs, and violations of residents' rights, its participants limit themselves to discussions about traditions and unity, said residents of Dagestan.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on July 16, activists and residents of Makhachkala doubted the appropriateness of inviting members of the Council of Elders to discuss the reform of local self-government in Dagestan. The Council does not carry out work, has not expressed a position on pressing issues for the republic, and its opinions always coincide with the position of the authorities, they emphasized.

Such events as the Forum of Elders of Southern Russia have exhausted themselves, turning into self-expression of officials and public figures close to them, believes a teacher from one of Makhachkala's universities Yusup.

"Especially forums were loved by Ramazan Abdulatipov (head of Dagestan from 2013 to 2017). They were of no use, but many loud speeches were made. It seems that we are adopting the worst practices of the past now," he told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

The Council of Elders should focus on the unresolved problems of the republic, believes entrepreneur Arslan.

"Show me at least one example when the Council of Elders of Dagestan spoke out on any resonant issue concerning violations of people's rights. Where is their declared wisdom and upbringing of the younger generation? There are many unresolved problems in the republic; let them focus on those instead," he told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

The problems of low-income families and housing and communal services (HCS) concern unemployed mother of three Aminat.

"Why are these forums needed, discussions about the role of the older generation, interethnic unity, and so on? Who will deal with the problems of low-income families, the collapse in HCS? Since October, utility tariffs in Dagestan have almost doubled, while salaries have remained at the same level. I am more concerned about how to provide for and raise my children," she told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

The Dagestani publication "Novoe Delo" noted that various forums are popular in the republic.

"They are certainly needed. But only when they are truly substantive and qualitative. Their effectiveness is a separate topic that directly concerns every compatriot, as budget money is spent on all this. <...> Therefore, we have one question for the hall – to those who understand at least a little about philology, grammar, and common sense. How to understand the slogan 'Wisdom of Generations – in the Unity of Russia'? What deep meaning is embedded in this set of words? <...> It is time to end these idle forums and grants. Transparent rules, clear technical assignments, and measurement of effects are needed," said a post published on October 31 in the Telegram channel of "Novoe Delo".

A philological analysis of the slogan 'Wisdom of Generations – in the Unity of Russia' is an excellent example of how logic exposes emptiness, noted a user Yusup in the comments to the publication.

"While the country is going through a very difficult period, millions of taxpayer money are spent on these empty gatherings. Behind the beautiful banner lies the usual imitation of activity," he believes.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that issues of local self-government in Dagestan provoke disputes about taking into account the interests of residents. Thus, on February 11, 2022, activists called for the development of a separate law on local self-government for the republic, taking into account its national composition. In their opinion, the proposed reform could lead to an outflow of the population from villages, exacerbate social and economic problems, and interethnic contradictions.