A seemingly second-tier local
election has evolved into a major challenge to
Russian President
Vladimir Putin, triggering the biggest
protests against his rule in seven years and causing divisions among his top lieutenants.
Although the protests were sparked by the exclusion of some opposition and independent candidates from the ballot for the
Moscow city council election to be held Sunday, they also reflect growing discontent after Putin's nearly two decades in power.
The protests come amid public irritation over the Kremlin's decision to raise the retirement age and other unpopular moves by the government.