Breaking mold, some Russian youth speak out against Putin
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Russian President Vladimir Putin's legacy depends not only on being re-elected Sunday — but also on ensuring that today's first-time voters stay loyal to his vision.
Polls show that nationwide, young people are among Putin's most ardent supporters. But in Moscow many twenty-somethings are frustrated with income inequality, corruption and other problems.
A linguistics student, a local councilor, a blogger and others are among those speaking out after a lifetime under Putin's all-powerful rule. Some support challengers like TV star Ksenia Sobchak or communist Pavel Grudinin. Others support opposition leader Alexei Navalny, barred from the election, and will boycott the vote.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Putin meets Thursday with young volunteers, computer programmers and others seeking to join the civil service as part of a government outreach program to improve opportunities for talented youth.