Współpracownik Aleksieja Nawalnego o kulisach życia w Rosji pod rządami Władimira Putina

Key Challenges Facing Russia

Leonid Volkov, a Navalny associate, details severe economic and social issues in Russia.

• Economic Hardship: Half of Russians report unchanged finances, while a third face worsening conditions. Inflation has significantly impacted daily life, altering dietary habits for 35% of the population. 39% blame the authorities. The stark economic difference between Moscow and other cities further highlights the economic disparity.
• Healthcare Crisis: The war’s impact on healthcare is critical. Funding prioritizes military spending over essential medical resources, leading to increased wait times (e.g., two months for ultrasounds).
• Aviation Issues: Sanctions significantly affect civil aviation, forcing the cannibalization of existing aircraft and creating issues with the low-quality domestic Superjet.
• Real Estate Crisis: Increased money printing to fund the war has led to a 21% central bank interest rate, pushing mortgage rates to 30% and causing a collapse in the housing market.

Putin's Unlikely Succession

Volkov believes Putin's grip on power is absolute and that a succession is impossible. Appointing a successor would weaken Putin's authority. Volkov concludes that a palace coup is unrealistic, emphasizing Putin's iron-fisted rule and his desire to remain in power for at least 15 more years.

Systemic Issues

The article contrasts Russia's authoritarian system with democracies, suggesting that democratic systems, despite their flaws, are more resilient to crises than dictatorships. Although Ukraine also faces challenges, its democratic nature allows for better crisis management compared to Russia's autocratic rule.