What is Putin’s style of politics?

World
Europe

‍By CGTN's The Point

“In the last decade, undoubtedly, Mr. Putin has already forged a Putin style of politics in Russia. We can look at his high popularity among the Russian people and very aggressive, active foreign policy and security policy,” said Cui Hongjian, director of the European Department at the China Institute of International Studies on The Point.

On March 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his State of the Nation address. Putin is widely predicted to win the March 18 Russian presidential election by a landslide, by up to 70% of the vote according to many pundits.

“He is nationalistic, and he pushes back. He is regarded as a strong leader, much like Trump is in the United States. He pushes back, and Russians like a strong leader,” said Ivan Eland, a senior fellow at The Independent Institute.

Despite Putin’s high support ratings, ordinary Russians are said to be anything but satisfied with their lives, and pro-market economists are urging drastic reforms.

Cui Hongjian, director of the European Department at the China Institute of International Studies/ CGTN Photo

“For Putin and the next government of Russia, they should try to keep a balance between economic reform, or how to use resources effectively, and gain some support from the international community,” said Cui.

He also pointed out that even though Russia has achieved stable economic growth over the last two years, the challenges are, on the one hand, how Putin can transfer GDP growth into the promotion of living standards for average people and, on the other hand, tackle the problem of poverty.

Eland said the forecast growth for Russia’s 2018 economy is 1.7%. “They have no incentive for the power structure in Russia. There is no incentive to move away from their gas- and oil-heavy economy. They have gone more toward a state-oriented economy, and the State has put its tentacles more deeply into the economy, which is always bad for an economy, no matter what country it is in.”

“I think they do have a lot of economic challenges, and they should concentrate more on that,” Eland concluded.

The Point with Liu Xin is a 30-minute current affairs program on CGTN. It airs weekdays at 9.30 p.m. BJT (1330GMT), with rebroadcasts at 5.30 a.m. (2130GMT) and 10.30 a.m. (0230GMT).