Russian President, Vladimir Putin, is losing public popularity now as the Russians want to take diplomacy in their own hands. The coronavirus outbreak and its financial consequences have been a major issue for people around the world, and this has generally impacted the ranking of politicians and national leaders. In certain countries, those in authority and are struggling with ineffectiveness have sought to secure public approval again, like in Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. In the meantime, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has been struggling. The epidemic did not offer him a push and, in reality, strengthened the declining spiral that his poll ratings have endured in the last two years.
Serious policies like the unpopular systemic change of pensions have provoked public outrage, also among his loyalists. The fall in oil prices and the imminent financial recession-the second in the last ten years for Russia-have also negatively impacted popular sentiment gravely. In the past, societal problems like pension change, environmental challenges, and poor housing conditions became the subject of popular dissatisfaction. The lack of the rule of law, fundamental privileges, and freedom is steadily troubling Russia today.
However, research carried out by Dmitriev and Nikolskaya shows that society is more violent. Through their answers, their voters have become angrier and were not fearful about utilizing offensive words regarding those in authority or even holding on amid the interviews.
Putin is a LifeTime Russian President
Putin was notably controversial when he changed the constitution that would permit him to retain power till 84 years of age in 2036. While also, demonstrations are prohibited due to the Coronavirus epidemic. The Kremlin will use this as the perfect moment to drive through the reforms. This is leaving the Russian populace more upset. Putin’s suggestion to stay in power for life has provoked outrage even among his loyal followers. Only 59% agreed with the Russian president in the May vote, falling from 69% in February.
Five years earlier, Putin’s approval rating peaked at 85% in the wake of Russian involvement in the Ukraine crisis and the annexation of Crimea. Also, after the 2011-13 anti-government campaign, his popularity has never been so weak. There were also significantly reduced measures of popular interest. Public confidence in him reached 35% in January this year, yet it reached 59% only three years ago.
The Russian youth criticize Putin. Only 10% of those between 18 and 24 years reacted; they had confidence in the president. There is mistrust, particularly among the least educated, disadvantaged citizens and the inhabitants of rural areas. After 2011, Putin has sought to demoralize the voters by challenging the weaker rural groups against the skilled middle-classes in major cities. This technique will not operate for him at present.
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The pandemic has Played a Major Role Reducing Putin’s Popularity
Despite the lockdown due to the Coronavirus, this cooped-up rage cannot be unleashed onto the streets. The Kremlin depends on the assumption that the economy will recover after the pandemic, and public frustration will decrease. Yet with this conclusion, there are two complications. Firstly, it is doubtful that oil and gas costs would rise once the pandemic has stopped. There are no definite signs for a rapid improvement in the economy. Secondly, the next “popular vote” on the draft constitutional amendments slated for 1 July may add extra fuel to the flames.
As several people are also planning to boycott votes, there can be no need for large scale falsity to create a positive result, which is perhaps what the Kremlin expects. Yet the question won’t be solved. Regardless of the outcome declared on 1 July, most Russians will still be unhappy with Putin’s focus on life-long dominance. The common movement is unavoidable in that context. That is something the Kremlin fully understands and wants to prevent. In the latest Constitutional Court, it was agreed that in those places only approved by the municipal authorities, protests would be permitted.
It remains to be seen how the proposed law is implemented. This will help deter the resistance from protesting with the consent of the authorities. In turn, the police will repress all future political protests, and this will fuel more populist unrest. President Putin’s attempt to prolong his regime, which was intended to provide stable governance, might inevitably destabilize the nation. Thus, it might contribute to the growing Russian opposition in a radical moment.
