CNA Correspondent Podcast: Russia’s Presidential Election – Who dares challenge Vladimir Putin?
Russia's longest-serving leader is on the brink of securing a fifth term when polling begins on Mar 15.
This year's presidential election in Russia might be a non-starter. Vladimir Putin’s main rivals are all out of the running - or dead - and he could potentially hold on to power for another decade.
What do ordinary Russians make of the man who rules with an iron fist? CNA's Teresa Tang talks to former Moscow correspondent Julia Chapman to find out.
There are certainly many, many supporters of Vladimir Putin. I think it's impossible to overstate that there are people who think that he has done wonders for the country, he lifted it out of poverty.
There are also many Russians who view the West with a lot of suspicion and they are sympathetic to the ideas put forward by Putin that the West is out to get Russia.
Then (there are) segments of society that are a bit sceptical about Putin himself, but don't really see any viable alternatives.
Jump to these key moments:
- 3:26 Why Putin has a high approval rating
- 8:39 What do Russians want?
- 11:51 How political threats are dealt with?
- 17:58 Relationship with China
Listen to more episodes here.
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Source: CNA/cr
