In Russia, the number of citizens feeling tense, irritated and afraid has increased dramatically in the face of internet blockades, tax increases and in-store price increases. In March, 24% of people felt negative emotions. Russians, compared to 18 percent in November last year, according to a survey conducted by the Levada Center.
At the same time, social groups most loyal to the authorities spoke of irritation more often. So 29% of people declared negative emotions in November. surveyed women, 31 percent Russians over the age of 55, as well as 40 percent people who barely have enough to eat. Among those who openly support Vladimir Putin, 15 percent said they were tense and irritated.
At the same time, the percentage of people who think that has increased the country is heading in the wrong direction — from 21 percent in November last year to 26 percent. in March this year.
Against this background, the All-Russian Center for Public Opinion Research (VCIOM) recorded a decline in support for Putin's actions, which has decreased by 4.3 percentage points since the beginning of the year – to 70.1 percent. This was the lowest result since the first days of the war.
Support for United Russia, the party that is Putin's political support, also dropped to 29.3%. compared to 33.8 percent in mid-January. The dissatisfaction of Russians loyal to the government has actually increasedas admitted by the source of “Verstka” in United Russia.
“The former hard electorate has some doubts today. The problem exists,” notes a source from a publishing house in one of the party's branches. However, the source expresses hope that “the dissatisfied group of voters will dissolve” closer to the September State Duma elections.
“Bad here, bad there”
Internet cuts have happened “final blow” for Russians loyal to the government, as Putin's former spokesman, political scientist Abbas Galliamov, says. – Bad here, bad there – and they also cut off the Internet. This applies to everyone. […] This is a violation of personal space, explains the expert.
What's more, according to him Putin's electorate is no longer so afraid of the authorities. — They feel: we have the right to this. After all, we always voted for Putin, for United Russia, we did everything you wanted. What about us? We supported you and we got hit in the head, you threw us. It's a feeling of a broken social contract – emphasizes the political scientist.
Negative moods reach their zenith because of deteriorating economic situation and rising prices — agrees political scientist Alexander Kynew. According to him, over the last year it was constantly said that the war in Ukraine would end soon and the sanctions would be lifted.
– Propaganda made a very serious mistake – a society that had already somewhat adapted was suddenly irritated by new hopes for a wound that had already almost healed. The building of these expectations began, and then – boom! — they were suddenly interrupted. I called it “hope torture,” notes the expert.
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The crisis in Russia can be seen on many levels
For example, the economic situation in Russian industry continues to decline, and entrepreneurs are less and less confident that the situation will improve. Companies continue to complain of weak demand due to which they have to reduce production. Their business expectations have fallen to their lowest level since April 2022, S&P Global states.
Businesses responded to weak demand by sharply reducing purchases of raw materials and components: the decline in purchasing activity turned out to be the sharpest since March 2022. Instead, companies preferred to use inventories. This was also prompted by an increase in costs.
Minister of Economic Development Maksim Reshetnikov admitted that the government's economic growth forecast of 1.3 percent. this year it is too optimistic and promised to reduce it in April.
Russians are becoming poorer, companies are declaring bankruptcy or closing, and now over 90 percent are on the verge of bankruptcy. Russian restaurants and bars. A study conducted by “Aktion Buhgałterii”, which involved over 500 companies from all over the country, shows that the vast majority, i.e. almost 94 percent. Russian catering establishments, is operating on the verge of profitability or is generating losses, according to Forbes magazine.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
