Putin's Direct Line shows concern over living standards

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 21 Jun 2019 by Alex Teddy
On June 20 President Putin did his annual direct line. Anyone was able to call and question him. This has always transfixed the nation. The president fielded calls about Ivan Golunov. Golunov is the investigative journalist who was a victim of the police fabricating evidence against him. The president said that the police should no longer plant drugs on the people. It is a damaging admission that this is widespread.Putin acknowledged that sanctions are hurting. He made the unsubstantiated claim that these hurt the EU more. Moreover, he claimed sanctions had helped the growth of agriculture and industry in Russia. The president also maintained that there is no evidence that Russians shot down the Malaysian plane in 2014.A sovereign internet is still a key goal. That was reaffirmed. There was some discontent on the new law making disrespecting the authorities a crime. The head of state said that legitimate criticism is still permitted despite the new statute.The president acknowledged that there is dissatisfaction with living standards. The average monthly income is USD 520 and he is working to raise it to USD 630. The plans to address this include free medicines for those on low incomes, mortgage relief for families with more than one child and his national projects. It was yet another bravura performance. However, people are less impressed than they used to be. The main pro Putin party United Russia is sagging in the polls.

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