Putin’s decision to create an All-Russia People’s Front, announced at a United Russia conference in Volgograd on Friday, sparked a flurry of analysis as to the Prime Minister’s motivations, beyond its ostensible aim of creating an inclusive political vehicle in Russian society.  Commentators have identified the move as a reaction to dwindling popularity ratings of the Prime Minister and President noted in March, the disappointing performance of United Russia in the same month’s regional elections, and the desire to consolidate personal political power amid talks of a play for power from sidekick Medvedev in the upcoming presidential election. (It is interesting to note that the Prime Minister’s proposal includes some strategic initiatives relating to business and innovation of a distinctly Medvedevian bent.)  Many have pointed to the inherently problematic nature of a ‘peoples” front which is entirely geared around the scepter of an imperious United Russia.  The following analysis from CSM points out why the Prime Minister is unlikely to care: