New protests in Ingushetia bring Evkurov's resignation closer

In Ingushetia, the second wave of mass protests within the last six months has undermined Yunus-Bek Evkurov's reputation in the eyes of the Russian federal authorities. The Kremlin is ready to replace the head of the republic in the near future, when it will not look like a concession to protesters' demands, political analysts believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on March 26, 2019, in Ingushetia, protesters, demanding Evkurov's resignation, extended their action in Magas, the capital of the republic, without authorities' sanction. This led to clashes with law enforcers.

Against the above Ingush protests, Evkurov's rating has fallen rapidly; therefore, his early resignation is not excluded, said Nikolai Petrov, a political analyst.

Ingushetia may repeat the Kabardino-Balkaria's scenario, where the head of the republic was dismissed after mass riots, Mr Petrov believes. In his opinion, Evkurov is now trying to restore his authority.

Protests cause obvious damage to Evkurov's rating, Evgeny Minchenko, a political analyst, believes. However, he is confident that Ingushetia will not repeat the Kabardino-Balkarian scenario.

Evkurov has been heading Ingushetia since 2008. His resignation is demanded by opponents of the border agreement with Chechnya, signed by Evkurov and Ramzan Kadyrov last autumn.

However, Evkurov will be dismissed, when the wave of protest actions in Ingushetia comes to naught, Dmitry Oreshkin, a political analyst, has stated.