Putin on a Roll
Andrey Pertsev sums up the political week (August 31 — September 4)
Vladimir Putin has been a significant presence in the United Russia campaign for the State Duma. He has visited various regions, including Siberia and the Far East, and even ventured to Nizhny Novgorod. His public appearances, particularly at international forums and events like the Eastern Economic Forum, are intended to bolster United Russia's popularity.
However, his frequent appearances without a carefully prepared script have led to questions about his grasp of reality. During a meeting with teachers, a participant claimed to have visited the North Pole and recounted an encounter with orcas and polar bears. Putin's response, which implied a complex food chain, has been widely criticized for its scientific inaccuracies.
The presidential press service and loyal media were left with little choice but to disseminate the president's remarks, despite their lack of factual basis. At a summit in Bishkek, Putin attempted to clarify his earlier statements but only exacerbated the issue. His responses, which often missed the mark, have only deepened public anxiety about the state of affairs.
The campaign has been marked by a notable lack of activity, with political parties spending record-low sums on their campaigns and participants showing little enthusiasm. This quiet atmosphere is attributed to both economic challenges and the Kremlin's desire to control the narrative. The result is an election campaign that lacks the vibrancy and engagement typically expected, which may not be favorable for United Russia or the broader political landscape.
Written by urgent.news from Riddle Russia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
