Country begins to tire of Putin’s reign

Article forms the lead and overview feature in the FT: Special Report 'Russia - 2012' Even among pro-Kremlin commentators, there is a growing weariness of Vladimir Putin’s dominance in Russian politics, first as president, then as prime Minister and now again as President following the election in 2012.

Other features in the Special Report include:

+ Energy: Infighting casts doubt on privatisation
Catherine Belton looks at the power struggle worrying foreign investors

+ Stock exchange: Foreign investors wait to see what government will do
Markets unconvinced by Putin’s rhetoric, says Catherine Belton

+ Economy: Oil dependency remains a fundamental weakness
Structural reform is urgently needed, writes Neil Buckley

+ Rail freight: State sell-offs boost competition further down the track
Sales gather pace amid consolidation of private operators, writes Isabel Gorst

+ Politics: Decision making becomes less predictable
Mr Putin’s behaviour has raised a few eyebrows, writes Charles Clover

+ Efficiency: Better productivity is seen as driving future growth
Charles Clover looks at efforts to boost GDP

+ Retail: Shoppers resolutely ignore global turmoil
Spending surges but weaker rouble may act as a brake, says Courtney Weaver

+ Weddings: Marriage of old and new in deluxe market
Nouveau-riche adopt western styles – and add a few of their own, writes Isabel Gorst

+ NIS Glonass: Joint venture knows where it is going
The operator of navigation satellites seeks commercial opportunities, says Courtney Weaver