As the Coronavirus Contagion Grows in Russia, Putin's Strongman Image Weakens [View all]

[LiberalArkie]

If you were taking your cues from Russia’s longtime leader Vladimir Putin this week, you would have been left thinking that the country’s worst struggles with the coronavirus pandemic were over.

“Starting tomorrow, May 12, the national non-working period will end for the entire country and for all sectors of the economy,” the Russian president announced during a televised address to the nation Monday. The unclear policy, which was in effect for six weeks, had officially allowed only essential business to remain open, while all employers were required to keep paying staff.

“It is in the interest of all of us for the economy to return to normal quickly,” Putin added.

Yet just the next day, Russia hit several unenviable milestones in an outbreak that has lasted for 10 weeks and counting.

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https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/05/14/as-the-coronavirus-contagion-grows-in-russia-putins-strongman-image-weakens-a70257


Comment: It seems that both Putins and Trumps mentors have quit giving advice.