Putin must address Russians’ grievances

Thousands of Russians protested in many cities across the country against official corruption. It was apparently the biggest anti-government demonstrations since 2012, when the wave of protests against alleged vote-rigging led Kremlin enforce harsher laws to suppress dissent. People heeded the call of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a bête noir of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Police have arrested hundreds of protesters, including Navalny who got 15 days imprisonment. Navalny’s Foundation for Fighting Corruption accused that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has amassed a collection of mansions, yachts and vineyards. Navalny’s expose of Medvedev’s fraud garnered over 13 million views on YouTube and managed to draw tens of thousands to the streets. People are unhappy with the fact that there’s been no investigation of the corruption allegations.
The White House press secretary Sean Spicer said that US strongly
condemns the detention of peaceful protesters and is calling on Russia to
immediately release them. Spicer said the detention is against
the democratic values, adding that people deserve a transparent and
accountable government.
Navalny, who was the driving force of the demonstrations, was arrested as he walked nearby subway station to the demonstration at Pushkin Square. Navalny’s anti-corruption foundation has promised to offer legal assistance to all those who were arrested for taking part in the protest. Many of the protesters face jail sentences or fines.
Despite Russian authorities’ claim that rallies were unsanctioned, the fact that thousands braved the prospect of arrest for taking part in the demonstrations makes it an extraordinary show of defiance against Putin government. It shines a harsh light on corruption in Russia.
The massive protest also speaks about how an unprecedented number of young Russians support the program of a candidate who stands for fighting corruption. The participation of teenage students surprised the Kremlin, which has hoped to boost support for Putin in the 2018 vote by attracting more young voters.
These people demand political representation. Sunday’s demonstration has also proved them wrong who had written off the Russian opposition as irrelevant and a non-entity.
Navalny continues to be a thorn in the Kremlin’s side. He intends to run for president in 2018 despite his convictions in a fraud case, which technically disqualifies him. Putin, who has dominated Russian political life serving both as president and prime minister, is widely expected to run for another term.
The authorities are in dilemma how to tackle the present crisis. The Kremlin understands that if the opposition is not dealt decisively, then it will emerge stronger in future. The Russian authorities are split between a full crackdown against protesters and jail them, or to appease critics with steps to make the presidential elections more open. Putin government will try to walk a fine line keeping in mind the election next year. Although Putin has nothing to worry about personally, he must try to contain the disaffection among young voters, who are driving the opposition movement. Putin should act to address people’s grievances and must not test Russians’ patience. It will be good for the country.