Page 26 - RusRPTJun21

2.8 Putin & government’s popularity
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s popularity ticked up two percentage points (pp) in April to go back to 65% where it has been for much of the last year. Apart from a small dip his personal approval rating has not changed much during the crisis.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s approval fell by 3pp in April as the economy continues to stagnate but with a 53% approval rating the majority of Russians approve of his work, vs the 41% that disapprove. 6% are undecided.
Voters are evenly dived on the work of the government with 49% in approval and 48% disapproving, but those shares have been very constant all year.
The regional governors remain very popular – almost on a par with Putin – although their approval rating slipped 2pp in the last month to 60% against 35% that disapprove. The governors will play a key role in bringing in the vote for the government in he autumn Duma elections and will benefit as the centre will give them cash and resources to deliver.
The Duma maintains its title of most disliked institution with a 44% approval rating and a 55% disapproval rating with 4% undecided.
There was a slight uptick of one percentage point to 49% of the population that think Russia is going in the “right” direction compared to 41% that think it is going in the “wrong” direction. 9% remain undecided.
26 RUSSIA Country Report June 2021 www.intellinews.com