Tens of thousands of demonstrators are expected to weather sub-freezing temperatures Saturday to march in Russia’s capital as part of a growing protest movement against the government of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is seeking a third term in the next presidential election after being ineligible to run for a third consecutive term in 2008.
Saturday’s demonstration, which officially calls for free and fair elections, falls exactly two months after the results of the last parliamentary elections sparked mass protests over widespread allegations of electoral fraud and one month ahead of the March 4 presidential ballot.
Over the years, Putin has worked hard to uphold his image as Mr. Tough Guy both in and outside the political arena. Whether in the face of adversity or during a carefully staged photo-op, the Harley-riding, wilderness-loving, ex-KGB officer has presented himself as an uncompromising leader. Yet as he gears up for the elections, Putin has shown a streak of uncharacteristic humility.
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