Really? Can you cite one instance where any decision, order or operation put forward by Putin was challenged, let alone halted by any person or element of the Russian govt. Putin has fewer restrictions on his govt decision making than any Soviet leader did following the death of Stalin.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45342721
Russia's Putin softens pension reforms after outcry
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has softened planned pension changes following angry protests and a slump in his approval rating.
He said the retirement age for women would be increased from 55 to 60 instead of to 63. But a five-year increase for men, to 65, would stay.
In a rare TV address, Mr Putin said the country's working-age population was shrinking, making change essential. Unions have warned that many will not live long enough to claim a pension.
Russian men have a life expectancy of 66 while for women it is 77, the World Health Organization says.
The issue has seen support for Mr Putin fall to 64% from 80%, according to VTsIOM state pollster.