"The programme, which usually lasts for hours and is a forum for Putin to promote his cult of personality, comes as the prime minister faces an unprecedented challenge to his 12-year domination of Russian politics.

He has so far remained silent on the growing protest movement, which last weekend saw 50,000 in Moscow and thousands more around the country gather to demonstrate over disputed elections. A second Moscow protest, set for Christmas Eve, was approved on Wednesday."

This is encouraging. It is also a product of #Occupy. -- MCR

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