Sergey Vatoropin

Alexey Ruchkin

In the article the protest potential of the population of Sverdlovsk region is analyzed. On the basis of results of the sociological survey of respondents in 10 settlements of the region political preferences of the population are discussed. Tendencies of electoral preferences of the population over the last 5 years are analyzed, the conclusion about growth of pro-government moods in traditionally opposition-minded region is drawn. Geopolitical, political and socioeconomic factors causing electoral preferences are identified. Practice of the political protest is considered, the conclusion about decrease of protest political activity after meetings “for fair elections” in 2012 is made. The major factors preventing activization of potential of the political protest in the region are characterized: counteraction to protest manifestations from the government, loyal attitude of popular mass media towards state policy, passivity of the most powerful opposition parties, willingness of considerable part of the population to support existing regime. Practice of the social protest of the population of Sverdlovsk region is considered. The key social and economic problems bothering the population are identified. Considerable attention is paid to the problem of sharp increase in prices for goods and services. Particular emphasis is placed on negative tendencies in labor market: unemployment growth, decrease and delays of salaries. It is noted that there are enough mechanisms of self-control of labor market for preservation of relative social stability. Decrease in welfare of the population of the region as the key factor capable to make active potential of a social protest is considered. The sociological portrait of potential protesters is characterized. The general conclusion is that against the background of general political stability the socio-economic problems are capable to significantly increase the protest potential of the population of Sverdlovsk region.