Is the Kremlin Loosening Its Grip?

INTRODUCTION

Dmitry Lovetsky/Associated PressA huge rally in downtown St. Petersburg on Saturday, part of nationwide protests.

Tens of thousands gathered across Russia over the weekend to express their opposition to Vladimir Putin’s campaign to return to the presidency. Despite the angry chants — “Russia without Putin,” “Putin is a thief” and “We exist” — the demonstrations were remarkably peaceful, seemingly unopposed by the Kremlin. By Monday, two prominent figures — a billionaire industrialist and the recently ousted finance minister — had announced they would run against Putin.

What’s driving this sudden — and uncharacteristic — opposition to power? Is the Kremlin loosening its grip?