Doubled salaries for police. A twofold increase in the military budget. Better pay for doctors and cheaper healthcare for all. Vladimir Putin is in election mode. Faced with presidential polls in just over a week and mounting protests against his rule, Russia’s prime minister seems to be relying on the time-tested strategy of spending his way out of a crisis.

This week’s pledges, contingent on Mr Putin’s election to the presidency for a third term, cover 1m police officers and interior ministry employees – at least, those who have not already had their wages doubled this year by Kremlin decree. An upgrade to the army, air force and fleet, according to an article he meanwhile wrote on military reform, carries a price tag of Rbs23tn ($777bn) over a decade.

The initiatives follow largesse promised last week that would boost the income of state-employed teachers and doctors. Health provision for the nation would at the same time be improved – all at government expense.