Expert: Russian society needs differ greatly from those in 2000

PanARMENIAN.Net - Needs of the Russian society now differ greatly from those that existed 12 years ago, political scientist Stepan Grigoryan said.

Back in 2000, when Vladimir Putin was first elected President of Russia, the Russian civil society required stability, increased salaries and pensions, he told a press conference in Yerevan. Besides, the civil society in Russia was very poorly developed then, which means the public had almost no participation in the country’s political life.

“Putin came to power pledging to ensure stability, raise wages and pensions. Oil and gas prices were high at that time, treasury was being replenished, and he could keep his promises while now the needs of the civil society are quite different,” the expert stated.

According to Grigoryan, now the civil society in Russia demands political and administrative reforms, reduction of ubiquitous corruption, as well as legitimacy in all domains of authority.

“Putin may follow two paths: first, he keeps all his election promises, which is very difficult because the treasury is empty, and oil and gas prices are very low. Second, he just tries to isolate the opposition, prevents them from active moves, bans rallies,” the expert said adding that the Russian president is likely to go for the second option.

Grigoryan also noted that administrative resources were actively employed during the Russian presidential elections; however, Russia can afford this as its resources are rather large.