http://www.economist.com/node/21548949
This article discusses the growing dissent in Russia concerning President Putin and his continuing autocratic rule. He was president before, then having served his previous two consecutive terms, he transfered power to Demitri Medvedev, and now Putin is taking the presidency back. There have been grumblings in Russia and open protests against Putin's methods of keeping power (fixed elections, packing crowds for events, and restricting press).
Russians feel discouraged about their current political process and current political state. Few feel up to the challenge of opposing Putin. Finding candidates to run against him is incredibly difficult, and few Russians take them seriously. The present and growing discontent could possibly lead to an ousting from power, but it's not likely.
The rise of the new middle class in Russia leads the feelings of discontent behind Putin. Additionally, Russians on the whole feel disillusioned and unhappy with corruption of the bureaucracy and the oligarchy of business moguls. Some think Putin has not lived up to his promises, and are tiring with his antics and relentless quest for absolute control. Putin ignores requests for free elections and continues doing things his way, and only his way.
Protesters are reorganizing after an unpromising reelection of Putin, but no concrete outcome is certain.
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