And they would help deal with the "28 or more different state services that come calling at the door" so that rather than a string of "disconnected" officials, they could get a "clear hard-headed recognition of how the family is going wrong".

BBC: Troubleshooters scheme to tackle 'troubled families'

Even so, firm recognition that Mr Putin is going in the wrong direction is much better than meek acquiescence.

ECONOMIST: Vladimir Putin takes on democracy, the West and all-comers