Evgeny Primakov, the President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, ex-Prime Minister of Russia
"If a governor has been holding his post for several terms, sometimes there is a wish to see another person on this post. But this is not the case with Victor Kress; Tomsk region has achieved great results during his governorship."
Aleksey Kudrin, Vice-Premier of the Government of the Russian Federation
"I can confidently say that Victor Kress is one of those governors who are the backbone of Russia. I know that heads of regions had many difficulties in the period of reforms and I can say responsibly that we came out of the recession and now are increasing the positive dynamics owing to such governors as Kress. The major fact is that we endured and today Russia is rising thanks to strong and clever heads of regions like Victor Melkhiorovich Kress."
Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Emergency situations of Russia
"I heard his speeches in the State Council, in the Council of Federation; his position is always active, without politicking, populism; speeches are always thoroughly thought-out. And because of this he appeals not only to me, but also to many colleagues."
Aman Tuleev, Kemerovo region governor
"Victor Melkhiorovich became an imprescriptible figure of regional authorities. I noticed that he treats Tomsk region as a human. When he is talking about it, he is always excited; it seems that he is even jumping with his desire to proof it is the best. I mean that Kress is not indifferent. He is very flexible, skilful. He does not retreat if somebody in the government or a ministry does not want to meet him halfway in Tomsk region issues. This may be no good for us, other governors, because a lot of money is spent for Tomsk region (I'm joking). But this is very good for Tomsk region."
Gennady Mesyats, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Science
"I can say that he is a very businesslike and concrete person. I can't remember a case when he didn't solve the issues I put. We discussed issues of community facilities, building, problems of preparation for Tomsk jubilee, we collaborated in the government panel on Tomsk 400 years jubilee, tried to find money for building a house for young scientists... I am convinced that Victor Melkhiorovich is a person who makes a lot for the region."