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Putin still most popular Russian politician - poll

MOSCOW. Oct 16 (Interfax) - President Vladimir Putin still enjoys a high popularity rating. Seventy-four percent of Russian citizens approve of Putin's performance as the country's president and 23% criticize his work.

These figures came from a public opinion survey of the VTSIOM-A independent non-profit organization led by Yury Levada. The poll was conducted in 40 of Russia's regions on October 10-13 and involved 1,600 people. The margin of error is 3.4%.

Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov's job approval rating stands at 42%, while 45% disapprove of his work.

A total of 39% of respondents said they approve of the government's performance and 53% criticized it.

Forty-two percent of those polled said they trust Putin, making him the most trusted Russian politician.

Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu has the second highest popularity rating, at 16%. He is followed by Communist Leader Gennady Zyuganov with 14%, Liberal Democratic Party Leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky with 11% and Yabloko Leader Grigory Yavlinsky and Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov with 8% each.

Russia's top ten most popular politicians also include Prime Minister Kasyanov and Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov with 7% each and Kemerovo region governor Aman Tuleyev and State Duma deputy Sergei Glazyev with 6% each.

Twenty-one percent of those polled said they did not trust any Russian politicians.