Putin's approval-rating dips, but support for extending rule rises

Vladimir Putin's approval ratings have dipped because of the fallout from the novel coronavirus crisis, according to a poll.

But support for him changing the constitution so he can rule for longer has risen.

Lucy Fielder reports.

Vladimir Putin's approval rating is at its lowest level in more than two decades as the coronavirus crisis rages, a poll found on Wednesday (May 6).

But support for his plan to remain in office until 2036 has actually increased.

The poll was by the Levada-Center, and it showed Putin's support fell to 59% last month compared to 63% in April.

That's still very high by Western standards, and there's no sign the man who has dominated Russian politics for more than two decades is about to be toppled.

But the novel coronavirus is clearly causing Putin problems. Cases continue to soar, oil prices are rock-bottom and the lockdown in Russia, like everywhere else, has damaged people's livelihoods.

Putin's plan to change the constitution, to allow him to extend his rule, is to be put to the vote later this year -- delayed by the outbreak.

Support for it rose to 47% in April up from 40% in March.

Levada said among those who said they would vote, the "for" camp were strongly mobilized and ready to turn out.