The IMF's World Economic Outlook released in January 2012 decreased Russia's economic forecast for 2012 from 4.1% to 3.3%, and for 2013 to 3.5% growth rate, which is lower than in 2010-2011. According to the IMF, Russia's GDP grew by 4.1% in 2011. The European Bank gives a more optimistic forecast of 4.2% in 2012 and 4.3% in 2013. The Russian Economics and Development Ministry gives the figure of 3.7% growth for 2012, which is in line with the international outlooks, but slightly less optimistic
The Russian Rouble is expected to stay around the same level as in 2011 of 32 Roubles to the US dollar, while inflation is expected to reach its lowest for 20 years, at around 6% in 2012.
The Russian Presidential elections will take place in March 2012, it is widely accepted that the Prime Minister and former President of Russia, Vladimir Putin will be reelected, however what was previously seen as a forgone conclusion is now being challenged. Large but peaceful rallies have taken place in Moscow, by the growing and more prosperous newly established Middle Class, who would now like a greater role in the political decision making process and dispute the validity of the parliamentary elections in Dec, 2011. However, Russia is not expected to have any sudden change in power and an evolutionary transformation rather than a revolutionary one is expected.