Things Are Not That Calm In Moscow

For days now the people of Russia have uncharacteristically spoken up, loudly. Is there likely to be someone better than Putin?

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin could fire his government to calm angry protests over social security reform that are denting his popularity, newspapers say.

Putin was due to hold his weekly meeting with ministers later on Monday after thousands of elderly Russians blocked roads across the country in a week-long protest over the replacement of Soviet-era benefits with cash allowances.

"The political elite is already talking seriously about the possible sacking of the government," said the Nezavisimaya Gazeta daily.

"It is not just the opposition that is talking about that but regional governors loyal to Putin and members of pro-Kremlin groups in parliament."