Volitve v Rusiji: Putinovega režima še ni konec

A Russian political scientist has accused the Kremlin of fostering a culture of corruption that undermines public trust in state institutions. In an interview with the independent Russian online publication 7x7, Fjodor Krascheninnikow, a regional researcher who fled Russia in 2020 and now lives in Lithuania, argued that the Russian government has failed to engage citizens in honest discussions about the country’s future. Instead, he claimed, the regime has promoted a series of ideological substitutes, including a cult of stability, glorification of the Soviet era through new Stalin statues, and geopolitical myths portraying Russia as a besieged fortress. According to Krascheninnikow, these narratives prevent forward-looking dialogue and instead reinforce a system where power is equated with personal enrichment. Krascheninnikow explained that Russians do not view taxes as contributions to the common good but rather as obligations with no return. The state has successfully ingrained the idea that it owes nothing to its citizens in exchange for their tax payments. This mindset, he said, allows officials to enrich themselves without fear of accountability. When told that President Vladimir Putin owns a palace, many Russians respond with indifference, arguing that he should not have to live in a dilapidated apartment block. The Kremlin, according to Krascheninnikow, encourages this attitude by promoting a culture where those in power are expected to fill their pockets upon reaching positions of influence. The tolerance for corruption among Russians, Krascheninnikow added, is often learned from an early age. Many believe that some level of self-enrichment is acceptable, especially within the state apparatus. He noted that it is difficult for Russians to imagine how a bureaucrat could accumulate such vast wealth, multiple palaces, dozens of yachts, and properties around the world. The idea that officials might need to support multiple family members, lovers, and dependents further justifies their financial excesses. According to him, corrupt officials will continue to act without limits unless they choose to stop, which typically happens only when they grow tired of earning money and prefer leisure over work. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Russian regime appears to maintain control over its population. Upcoming parliamentary elections in two months are expected to follow the usual pattern: opposition candidates will not be registered, and the results for the ruling party “United Russia” and its affiliated groups will be predetermined by the presidential administration. Local authorities are required to ensure the desired outcome. However, the war has introduced new difficulties, with Ukrainian drone attacks targeting infrastructure deep inside Russia, leading to fuel rationing and long lines at gas stations. Internet blackouts, intended to prevent drone strikes, have also become a point of frustration for many Russians. The war has exposed vulnerabilities in the regime, yet there is no indication that the Kremlin is losing control. Repressive measures have ensured that dissent is suppressed, preventing organized resistance. While internal power struggles among elites have increased, these conflicts have historically served to strengthen Putin's position by allowing him to play factions against each other. The current challenges, however, make it more difficult for the regime to maintain the illusion of normalcy and stability. Despite this, Putin shows no signs of compromising on his military strategy or willingness to negotiate peace with Ukraine. His focus remains on maintaining power, even as economic pressures mount and public dissatisfaction grows. The situation in Russia highlights the complex interplay between internal governance and external conflict. As the war continues to strain resources and morale, the question of whether the regime can withstand prolonged pressure remains uncertain. For now, the Kremlin appears determined to hold firm, even as cracks begin to show in its carefully constructed facade of strength and unity.