It's not an issue of Putin's control. It's an matter of people's mind.
I'd like to point out two issues.
1. Too many people here want a tough and strong leader with nearly absolute political power. Few days ago I ran into my childhood friend. And he told me, by the way, 'You know buddy I'd like to see a Tsar as a leader'. I was deeply depressed. I think it's a heritage of the Soviet where people could sidestep responsibility of their own life.
2. Most people do not like entrepreneurs. So you are entrepreneur. Then you're fraud and rouge by definition (in the eyes of common people). That's why Chichvarkin did not gain public backing. And it's a sad and shameful thing.
I think things will change someday. But it will take neither one nor three years but half a score.
I'd like to point out two issues. 1. Too many people here want a tough and strong leader with nearly absolute political power. Few days ago I ran into my childhood friend. And he told me, by the way, 'You know buddy I'd like to see a Tsar as a leader'. I was deeply depressed. I think it's a heritage of the Soviet where people could sidestep responsibility of their own life.
2. Most people do not like entrepreneurs. So you are entrepreneur. Then you're fraud and rouge by definition (in the eyes of common people). That's why Chichvarkin did not gain public backing. And it's a sad and shameful thing.
I think things will change someday. But it will take neither one nor three years but half a score.