A Spring Of Discontent In Russia?

Owen Matthews, Newsweek: Restless in Russia - The Kremlin Braces For A Possible Spring Of Discontent

Predicting a coming Russian revolution has been a favorite hobby of Russia watchers for years now. But since President Vladimir Putin’s annexation of Crimea in March 2014, the doomsaying has intensified, as plunging oil prices and Western economic sanctions wreak havoc on the Russian economy. Yet even though the ruble has lost over half its value, inflation has risen from 5 percent to 16 percent and Russians’ purchasing power has dropped to 1990s levels, Putin’s approval ratings have so far remained close to a near-miraculous 80 percent thanks to a heady mix of military adventures and a barrage of patriotic propaganda.

There are gathering signs, though, that the Kremlin is bracing for a possible end to this period of national togetherness and is preparing for a possible wave of unrest. “If 2014 was the year that Russia went rogue, 2015 was the year that the costs of that course became manifest for Russians,” wrote Brian Whitmore recently on U.S.-funded Radio Liberty’s influential The Power Vertical Blog. “And next year should be when we learn whether Vladimir Putin’s regime will be able to bear those costs.”

WNU Editor: As regular readers of this blog know .... I mentioned about a year ago that if economic conditions do not improve in Russia by 2016 .... unrest will start to grow. I also mentioned that  Putin's positive poll numbers would start to take a hit .... which is also happening right now. How do I know? A year ago when I asked my family, friends, associates, etc., on what did they think of Putin .... the only critic was me. Now .... some of my family, friends, and associates are becoming vocal in their dissatisfaction Putin. I expect this dissatisfaction to grow .... and when it is Russia's middle class, unions, and its entrepreneurs (small to medium size businesses) that start to protest .... watch-out. My prediction .... if the economic situation does not improve by the end of 2016 .... expect huge demonstrations. And if things do not improve by 2017 .... expect violent demonstrations .... and for Putin and his government .... he can kiss his 2018 Presidential prospects goodbye.