[Lukasz]

If I recall correctly, did Zhirinovsky's party merge with another? Is this the cause of the increase?

No they got these 11,5% as a Liberal Democratic Party of Russia.

Regardless, I have not met a Russian who supported Zhirinovsky's crazy ideas.

I have not met either. That is one of the reasons that I think that Russian elections was rigged. Zhirinivsky has such role in Putin’s regime to make controversial statements. As a member of “oppositionist” party he can do what he want, and Putin is not the one to blame. On the other hands, more Russian voters seeing that he is an idiot (like “Rodina” and the communist ) vote for “United Russia”, the only “reliable” party. (democratic opposition is marginalized in Kremlin’s controlled media outlets) In fact Zhirinovsky supports eventual Putin’s attempt for the third cadency. So despite his idiotic statements (far from official Kremlin line) he is still cheering for Putin.

However there is popular saying that whatever Zhirinovsky talking, Kremlin is thinking. :-)

[jer33 3]

***Zhirinivsky has such role in Putin’s regime to make controversial statements.***

Zhirinovsky has been making controversial statements long before Putin came into power. If I may, I disagree with the saying that whatever Zhirinovksy is saying, the Kremlin is thinking. Zhirinovsky is crazy and an opportunist. He makes such statements to draw attention to his nationalistic causes.