Russian Communist Leader Warns of Unrest Amid Economic Strain

Gennady Zyuganov, leader of Russia’s Communist Party, warned lawmakers that the country’s weakening economy could trigger unrest reminiscent of the 1917 revolution. He said the government was not responding swiftly enough to the deteriorating situation and called for urgent economic measures.

The warning comes ahead of parliamentary elections and has drawn attention even among allies of President Vladimir Putin.

While Zyuganov did not directly criticize Putin, he placed responsibility on the government, the central bank and the ruling party.

Although Russia’s economy has weathered sanctions and expanded in recent years, growth has slowed and the strain of the war in Ukraine is increasingly being felt.

(reuters, mja)