Russians' trust in Kadyrov has no affect on his electoral rating

The approval of the main Russia's power institutions remains without significant changes; and the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, is rated seventh among the top ten Russian politicians, whom Russians trust, the social poll of the Levada Centre has showed. However, Russians do not see Kadyrov as Russia's president; and in the electoral rating the head of Chechnya is behind Alexei Navalny.

According to the October polling outcomes, Kadyrov scored 6% of the votes, with President Vladimir Putin in the lead with 60% of votes.

The real Kadyrov's electoral rating is low, even in comparison with that of Alexei Navalny, for whom, according to the Levada Centre October 27 data, only 2% of polled Russians are ready to vote at the 2018 presidential election.

According to Denis Volkov, an employee of the socio-political research division of the Levada Centre, should Kadyrov state that he would run for the presidency, he would have won more supporters.

Navalny's recognition is growing, believes Natalia Zorkaya, the head of the socio-political research division of the Levada Centre.

Kadyrov's popularity is linked to the fact that "Northern Caucasus has become calmer," Mr Volkov is sure. However, according to his version, Russians are not interested in what actually happens in Chechnya.

Ms Zorkaya agrees, stating that judging by the polls, most Russians know almost nothing about the real situation in Chechnya.

Alexei Malashenko, the head of researches at the "Civilizations Dialogue Institute", the Kadyrov's election as president is impossible; and his high rating is based on his special relationships with Putin.

In his opinion, Kadyrov is known because he is active and often mentioned by mass media.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.