Russia in 2018: Putin's re-election and a World Cup, but what else?

The Guardian ^ | Dec 30 2017 | Shaun Walker

[GoldenState_Rose]

Barring severe illness or the most extraordinary electoral upset of the 21st century, Vladimir Putin will end 2018 in the Kremlin, having won a new six-year mandate in March elections that will take his rule over Russia to 2024.

Even if the result is in little doubt, the manner of Putin’s victory will influence how the year develops. With no real opposition candidates taking part, victory is ensured but the Kremlin is worried about turnout, as political apathy grows, and a low one would ring alarm bells.

The one opposition politician running a real campaign, Alexei Navalny, has been barred from the ballot, and the Kremlin will be doing everything to ensure he does not “mar” the victory with calls to boycott the vote and for nationwide protests.

Navalny has energised a new generation of young supporters, and a decision will have to be taken on how hard to crack down if he does bring people on to the streets.

The last time Putin returned to the Kremlin, in 2012, the build-up was accompanied by mass protests in Moscow and other cities. The response was more aggressively nationalist and conservative rhetoric, aimed at consolidating the majority of Russians against the uppity liberal minority.

After passing through this election cycle, Putin will be searching for new ways to renew his rule over Russia and keep his popularity levels high, and this may well involve ratcheting up the nationalist rhetoric again.

Internationally, much will depend on events in Washington.

For a month in the summer, international attention will be on Russia as it hosts the World Cup.

[NorseViking]

“” “The last time Putin returned to the Kremlin, in 2012, the build-up was accompanied by mass protests in Moscow and other cities. The response was more aggressively nationalist and conservative rhetoric, aimed at consolidating the majority of Russians against the uppity liberal minority.”” “

Scoundrels! /s