Coronavirus pandemic puts Russia’s strongman Putin to the test

Had the coronavirus pandemic not taken place, the Russian public would have been mobilised this week for a referendum known as the “All-Russian Vote”, which would have granted President Vladimir Putin expanded powers as well as the ability to run for office for two more terms.Instead, Moscow’s streets have been emptied: a jarring turn of events for a bustling city of nearly 12 million people.Wednesday’s vote was postponed last month as part of a wave of measures meant to contain the spread of…

from South China Morning Post https://bit.ly/2XWDwpe