The author writes that for over three years, approval ratings for Russia's institutions and leaders have been on the decline. Recent plans to increase the retirement age have only intensified the downward trend. In addition to decreased approval ratings, other indicators of support for Russian President Vladimir Putin are also waning. The percentage of Russians willing to vote for Putin in an election and the extent to which Russians trust him have both fallen to 48 percent from 60 percent in the spring of 2018. Putin's popularity has fallen most "among the poor, small-town residents, people on the cusp of retirement, Muscovites and young Russians." Another factor in this decline is increased fatigue with Russia's foreign policy, which people see as a significant obstacle to Russia’s development. "As hopes for positive change fade, so will loyalty to the president, making his departure from politics in 2024 much likelier.”

Read the full article at Carnegie Moscow Center.

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