http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/11093397.htmGorbachev warns Putin of possible unrest
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STEVE GUTTERMAN
Posted on Wed, Mar. 09, 2005
Associated Press
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MOSCOW - Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, marking the 20th anniversary of his rise to power, warned Wednesday that Vladimir Putin could face serious unrest if he pursues painful economic policies and urged the Russian president to fire Cabinet members over unpopular benefit reforms.
Gorbachev also said Putin should beware of people in his entourage who believe the government can suppress public anger by cracking down on democracy and basic freedoms.
(snip)
"And now I sense an odor that says that soon in our government ... there will appear slogans such as less democracy, fewer social programs," he said.
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