Why 20 Percent of Russians Still Support the Communist Party

The Communist Party of the Russian Federation has surprisingly found support among a significant portion of Russian citizens, including 20 percent who continue to vote for it. This begs the question: why do some Russians still support the party despite the evident shortcomings of the Soviet communist system and the corruption under Vladimir Putin?

The Putin Regime and the Communist Ideal

While Russian President Vladimir Putin, like Putin himself, hosts grand festivals where people dance, prosperity, and peace are celebrated, the reality is quite different. However, a substantial amount of older Russians still adhere to the communist ideals. Many remember the heyday of the Soviet Union when education, healthcare, and social benefits were abundant, despite the autocratic government and the economic constraints.

Education, Healthcare, and Benefits Under Communism

During the Soviet era, citizens enjoyed free education, free healthcare, and generous benefits. Free college education, free health care visits, free child care, and plentiful retirement and vacation benefits were commonplace. However, this utopia had its dark side. The economy suffered from chronic shortages of consumer goods, especially during the late 1980s. The state stifled free press and freedom of speech, leading to an oppressive and totalitarian regime.

Modern Corruption and Oligarchy

Fast forward to the present, the corruption in the Russian government under Putin is rampant. The regime is dominated by Vladimir Putin and his cronies, who are siphoning billions from the Russian economy. The system is riddled with nepotism and corruption, creating a stark contrast to the ideals of the past.

Voter Sentiment and Historical Memory

Some argue that the past, particularly the Soviet era, was better. Common Russians had a much better life under communism than they do today. However, this is a misperception. Some people who benefited from the system escaped the suffering of the majority. The communist party provided for some, but the majority struggled, often suffering from starvation and destitution.

The support for the Communist Party is partly due to nostalgia and a desire for stability and guidance. Some people, particularly those not adept at making decisions and managing their own lives, gravitate towards systems where they can be told what to do. This is a common sentiment among those who find the current oligarchy under Putin oppressive and chaotic.

While the reasons may vary, it is clear that the support for the Communist Party in modern Russia is a complex issue rooted in both historical sentiment and current economic and political realities. The quest for stability, social benefits, and a sense of direction continues to play a significant role in the political landscape of Russia.