After rising gas prices and proposed pension reforms, Putin's rating falls to its lowest level since 2013
Vladimir Putin’s re-election rating fell from 62 percent to 54 percent between June 10 and 17, according to new survey data released by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM). This marks Putin’s lowest score since 2013. His approval rating has also slipped, according to polling by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM). Over the same time period, Putin’s job performance score fell five points, from 77 percent to 72 percent. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his government have also lost public support.
Mikhail Mamonov, the head of political analysis and consulting at VTsIOM, says he attributes the president’s declining popularity to rising gasoline costs and the recent announcement that retirement ages will go up, starting next year.
Earlier this month, the Russian government submitted draft legislation to the State Duma, establishing a plan to raise the country’s retirement age from 60 to 65 for men by 2028, and from 55 to 63 for women by 2034.
For more on pension reform
Putin’s rating
Survey respondents were asked: “If Russia held new presidential elections this Sunday, which candidate would you support?”
Putin’s approval rating
Survey respondents were asked: “Do you generally approve or disapprove of the president’s performance in office?”
Rising gasoline prices
Gasoline prices in Russia spiked 7.3 percent between January and May 2018. In response, the federal government reduced fuel taxes on June 1. Nineteen days later, the Federal Antimonopoly Service announced that gasoline prices had stabilized.