The Blame Game

The destructive floods that wreaked havoc in southern Russia this weekend, killing more than 170 people, have set off a characteristically Russian blame game. Within days of the tragedy, local residents are blaming authorities for failing to warn them, and even for instigating the flood, while the authorities themselves are looking for scapegoats to ease the criticism. The event has become especially politicized, since each step – for the authorities and opposition activists alike – could prove to be either a symbolic victory or defeat in the midst of the government’s ever-sliding popularity. So how will the Kremlin come out of this one?