Internet Restrictions, Economic Problems Heighten Public Resentment; Influencer Publicly Appeals to Putin, Loyalists Also Warn

Liberty Times reports on the rising tide of public discontent in Russia, driven by President Putin's increasingly restrictive internet policies and the economic strain of the protracted war in Ukraine. The article highlights how this discontent is manifesting, with even prominent figures like Russian blogger Victoria Bonya using social media to voice criticism directly to Putin. Bonya's viral video message, which garnered millions of views, accused officials of shielding Putin from the reality of public suffering and anger over issues ranging from disaster response to economic hardship. This narrative frames the situation as a critical juncture for Putin's regime, where suppressed grievances are beginning to surface.

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There are many things you don't know, people are screaming their lungs out, they've had everything taken away from them, and they continue to be plundered.

From a Taiwanese perspective, this report likely resonates with a population that highly values democratic freedoms and is acutely aware of the pressures imposed by authoritarian states, particularly China. The article emphasizes the parallels between Russia's internet censorship and economic struggles and concerns often voiced about authoritarian control elsewhere. The inclusion of warnings from figures like Gennady Zyuganov, the leader of the Communist Party, about the potential for unrest, adds a layer of historical context, referencing the 1917 revolution. This comparison serves to underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential for significant political instability within Russia.

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Many are being processed, and none of them are being ignored.

The article also incorporates economic data, noting that Russia's economic growth has stalled, inflation is being controlled through high interest rates, and tax increases are impacting businesses. The admission by the Economy Minister that reserves are 'largely depleted' and Putin's acknowledgment of a GDP contraction further solidify the economic underpinnings of the public's dissatisfaction. Poll data showing a decline in Putin's approval ratings, attributed to economic problems, reinforces the article's central theme. However, the piece concludes with an analysis suggesting that immediate threats to Putin's power are limited due to the lack of organized opposition and strong state control, a nuanced perspective that acknowledges both the growing discontent and the regime's resilience.

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If action is not taken to address public grievances, the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution could be repeated.

Overall, the Liberty Times report presents a picture of a Russia grappling with internal pressures, where economic hardship and restricted freedoms are fueling public frustration, creating a complex and potentially volatile situation for the Kremlin.

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Economic problems are the main reason for the increase in people's dissatisfaction and the decline in Putin's and the government's approval ratings.