Recent local election results and protests, most notably in Irkutsk (Socialist mayor elected unexpectedly) and Kaliningrad (thousands in protest over governor and Putin), which have culminated with protests and demonstrations in 50 cities all over the country on today's so-called "Day of Anger", have the potential to create a new dynamic and introduce a new factor in the shape of a reinvigorated, united opposition into the Russian political landscape.
While the government reacts with the usual batons and arrests in Moscow in particular, this recipe and the government's PR show signs of not being enough to stem popular dissatisfaction and legitimate grievances of citizens vis-a-vis an inefficient, corrupt and self-enriching elite.
While reports about the protests are limited in the government-controlled mass media, the numbers and demographic of the recent protests may yet unleash a wave that the Kremlin would find hard to control.
Moreover, the timing of the growing movement on the streets is fortunate this time as it coincides with the beginning of spring and warmer weather.
While today snow is still deep and plentiful throughout the land, Russia may be in for a hot summer.
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