Russia's recession may get bad enough to cause the unthinkable: Vladimir Putin losing power.

The prime minister's party, United Russia, lost a majority in four of eight regional legislatures in March 15 elections. His approval rating has is still high (73%) according to a state-owned polling agency -- but it is at an all-time low (49%) according to an independent group.

Most striking in authoritarian Russia is an upswell in protests. Some are unsanctioned, or in other words, riots.

Global Post:

The biggest rally so far came last month in Kaliningrad, a small Western exclave that has the misfortune of being located just north of Germany, where downtrodden Russians have a clear view onto the heightened living standards of their European neighbors. Some 10,000 people turned out to protest the policies of Putin and the local governor. "In our country, there will be another Kaliningrad," Nemtsov said.



United Russia has been visibly shaken by the increasing discontent. It has launched a loud campaign to lower utilities prices, and scrambled into action to prevent another protest in Kaliningrad. "They don’t understand how to behave or what to do," said Kynev, the political analyst. "They’re in hysterics, and lying like madmen. hey’re trying to say all is well, but it’s clearly not. Numbers are numbers."

What's scary is that the most viable challenger to United Russia is still the Communist Party, which has picked up legislative seats and organized protests.

See also: Here's Why Russia Is Toast >