Gennady Zyuganov warns State Duma of risk of 1917-style revolution over economy

7 articles · Updated · Reuters · Apr 22

Zyuganov, leader of Russia's Communist Party, addressed parliament after the economy shrank 1.8% in the first two months of 2026.
He urged urgent economic measures before autumn, warning of rising discontent ahead of September's parliamentary elections, while avoiding direct criticism of President Putin and targeting the government and central bank.
Despite his warning, there are currently no signs of major unrest due to tight censorship and protest bans. Russia's economy, strained by war and high interest rates, faces slow growth but benefits from higher oil prices.

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