The Dhaka Times Desk The popularity of a head of state does not happen overnight. This report is about the behind-the-scenes of Russian President Putin's popularity despite discussion and criticism.
Vladimir Putin has been in power in Russia for 15 years as president. His tenure has been both controversial and critical. He has reputation in various fields. Again there is bad name with it. And so in the eyes of some he is a hero and in the eyes of others he is also a villain. Someone says that he is a dictator, he has kept the power under false pretenses. Others say that there is no other leader who can protect the Russians except Putin.
Regardless of his faults, this president is still liked and loved by most of the country's people. But for what reason? UK's New Statesman magazine has found some answers to these questions.
First of all, Russia's relations with the West have greatly deteriorated due to Putin's aggressive attitude on the Ukraine issue in the last one year. Because of that, Russia is under various sanctions. However, he is adamantly supporting the pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine. And so the West is critical of Putin. They are repeatedly portraying the Russian president as a villain in front of the world. It seems that Putin has nothing to do with this. At least the opinion polls suggest so. Despite all this, Putin is still very popular among the people of the country.
A recent poll by The Levada Center, an independent Russian survey and research organization, found that 87 percent of Russians still support Putin. Last June, Putin's approval rating was 89 percent. In 2012, the popularity was 64 percent.
The New Statesman magazine found some reasons for the huge acceptance among Russians of their current president.
Vladimir Putin is considered by most of the country to be a strong and strong political leader. No one else has received as much honor and respect in Russia as he has. As he can impress people with his words, so too are his rivals a stranger to him.
According to the report, Vladimir Putin has created a middle class in Russia. Many people in the country now drive tasteful cars. Traveled abroad again. Dress well. The country's per capita income has also increased in the last 15 years since Putin came to power. Purchasing power has increased again. If you go to the streets of Russia, the change will be visible to anyone. The statistics also bear witness to the same.
Russians believe that Vladimir Putin has contributed to the social development of the country through various reforms. As he increased the pension. Also increased investment in education and health sector. At the same time, he has made infrastructure development. Social security system has been strengthened. Crime, including murder, has dropped significantly in Russia. Because of these measures, the birth rate in Russia increased more than the death rate in 2013 for the first time in 20 years. Therefore, taking all aspects into consideration, the people are accepting Putin's regime without hesitation. This is seen as a real step for Russia by ordinary people there. Therefore, Vladimir Putin's popularity has not decreased in any criticism - it has increased.
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