Recent opinion polls reveal that the majority of Russians expect uneasy year with political protests and social conflicts.

      According to the poll made by Levada-Centre in the very end of the last 2011 year, 61% of respondent say 2012 will be restless, though one in five (22%) hopes for the calm year.

      In December 2011, Russia saw a series of protests against alleged fraud in the December 4 parliamentary elections, and many Russians expect more social disorders in the future. 50% of respondents said more protests were likely to take place after the presidential elections against 25% who said they might not be any further protests.

      49% of respondents said the political situation was likely to deteriorate after the elections and 26% said the situation won't get worse. However, 65% don't see any serious causes for coup in Russia.

      According to the Levada-Centre, only 36% of respondents said they would vote for Vladimir Putin if the elections were held in the next few days, which is a significant drop in the politician’s ratings that hit 79% in 2007.

      Russians also don't have any rosy anticipations about economic situation in 2012. 40% of respondents said economic crisis is possible this year, 42% don't expect for crisis and 18% were puzzled to answer.

      The opinion poll was conducted on December 16-20 among 1,600 people from the age of 18 in 130 Russian towns and villages. 

Sources: Fontanka.ru Levada.ru ru.delfi.it Image: russia-on