Putin’s Iron Grip: How Malta’s Russian Community Views the Leader’s Domestic Challenges

In the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta, a bustling Russian grocery store, ‘Moscow Market’, is a hub for the island’s Russian community. Here, the chatter is in their mother tongue, and the news from home is never far from conversation. Today, the topic is President Vladimir Putin, and the mood is a mix of pride and concern.

Domestic Discontent in Russia

Back in Moscow, Putin is facing headwinds. Inflation is soaring, the economy is stagnant, and protests, albeit small, are becoming more frequent. The arrest of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the jailing of protesters have sparked international condemnation. But how do Malta’s Russian expats view these developments?

At ‘Moscow Market’, 55-year-old Anna, who declined to give her last name, says, “It’s not easy back home. Prices are high, and jobs are scarce. But Putin, he’s our president. We trust him.” Anna, who moved to Malta 15 years ago, echoes a sentiment common among many Russian expats – a mix of pride in their country’s global influence and concern about its domestic issues.

Putin’s Popularity at Home

Despite the challenges, Putin’s approval ratings remain high. A recent poll by the Levada Center, an independent Russian pollster, put his approval rating at 63%. This is down from a peak of 89% in 2015 but still high compared to many Western leaders.

Back in Valletta, 32-year-old Igor, a software engineer, says, “Putin is not perfect, but he’s our leader. We respect him. He’s made Russia strong again.” Igor, who moved to Malta three years ago, believes that Putin’s foreign policy has restored Russia’s pride and influence on the global stage.

Malta’s Russian Community: A Bridge Between Two Worlds

Malta’s Russian community, estimated to be around 2,000 strong, serves as a bridge between Russia and the EU. Many are entrepreneurs, investors, or work in finance, drawn to Malta’s favorable tax regime and EU membership. They watch Putin’s moves closely, balancing their pride in their homeland with their new lives in the Mediterranean.

For them, Putin’s grip on power is not just about politics; it’s personal. They’re invested, both emotionally and financially, in Russia’s future. They’re watching, waiting, and hoping that their leader can navigate the challenges at home and keep Russia strong.

As Anna at ‘Moscow Market’ puts it, “Putin’s our president. He’s got our backs. We believe in him.”