Vladimir Putin’s Approval Rating Slips
For five consecutive weeks, Russian sociologists have recorded a decline in President Vladimir Putin’s approval ratings, which have fallen from 72% to 68%. Key factors driving this downturn include:
- worsening living conditions;
- a lack of progress in ending the war;
- internet restrictions tied to the Telegram shutdown.
The Telegram closure is cited as a trigger for what some call a 'kitchen revolution,' reflecting growing public discontent.
Government Response and Criticism
In response to these challenges, authorities decided to pause the Telegram shutdown roughly a week ago. Meanwhile, presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed the Russian public, stating:
'I will hear everyone', signaling an attempt by the government to acknowledge citizen concerns. Separately, an 18-minute video by Instagram blogger Bonya garnered 4 million views, highlighting public engagement with these issues.
Amid political discussions, Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov criticized the situation from the State Duma podium and in an interview with 'Vesti,' comparing current conditions to those of 1917. He remarked:
'We should listen not to some Bonyas, but to ordinary people, otherwise 1917 will repeat itself'. There is also talk of potential reshuffles, including moving Vyacheslav Volodin into the role of Federation Council Speaker currently held by Valentina Matviyenko, and transferring some of Sergei Kiriyenko’s powers to Volodin. Additionally, the economy minister has been dismissed.
Despite media activity, neither Bonya’s nor Zyuganov’s statements can be seen as direct opposition to Putin. This suggests that, despite the rating decline, open challenges to the sitting president remain absent for now.
Putin’s falling approval amid social and economic hardships may signal rising public frustration, potentially shaping the country’s political trajectory. The government’s move to pause the Telegram ban appears aimed at easing social tensions and addressing citizen demands. At the same time, criticism from opposition leaders hints at possible shifts in the political landscape, though no open protests against the president have yet emerged.
The recent decline in Putin's approval ratings is not an isolated incident, as highlighted by a separate poll indicating his lowest support since 2022. This trend reflects a broader discontent among the populace, exacerbated by economic challenges and government responses that may not fully address public concerns. As the political landscape evolves, understanding these shifts becomes crucial for assessing the future of leadership in Russia.