At the beginning of the new presidential period of V.V. Putin: what do Russians expect?

The support of state social initiatives by the population at the micro level often depends on their corresponding to the citizens' expectations, including social policy priorities. Relevance of the governmental programs and activities to the Russians' demand ensures their legitimacy and general acceptance by the population. The article, based on the representative data of the FCTAS RAS survey carried out in 2018 shows that the Russians' request for state participation in solving social problems is extremely high. The main points of the social agenda according to the opinion of Russians are the development of the humanitarian functions of the state, with an emphasis on healthcare, and guarantees for institutional stability and efficiency. The 2018 President's Message to the Federal Council includes the variety of other issues less relevant for most Russians. In whole, the Message describes the nearest development of the social sphere in more optimistic terms then population does. In everyday life, Russians face more pressing problems than those in the presidential agenda.