Zyuganov warns of revolution risk as economy shrinks

Zyuganov, whose party is the second largest in parliament and the main successor to the Soviet Communist Party, said that a recent government meeting called by President Vladimir Putin was the gloomiest in a long time. He urged the government to take urgent action but avoided blaming Putin personally, instead targeting the government, central bank, and ruling party. 'We will do everything to support President Vladimir Putin and his strategy and policies, but you, the government, are not listening,' Zyuganov said. 'If you, the government, do not urgently implement economic and other measures, by autumn we will face a repeat of the events of 1917. We have no right to repeat that. Let us make decisions.'

Zyuganov's party has long supported Putin and his key policies, but his comments appeared designed to win votes from Russians suffering economic hardship ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for September. Putin scolded his top officials last week after the economic contraction and ordered new measures to boost growth. Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, a close Putin ally, listened attentively to the speech, which received some applause in the chamber.