Liberal Kudrin admitted: After raising the retirement age, pensions will not increase
The size of pensions in Russia will increase slightly, even if the retirement age is raised.
This was stated today at a hearing in the State Duma by the well-known Russian liberal, Alexei Kudrin, who currently heads the Accounts Chamber, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
“We are forced to say that there will be no improvement. And there will be no prospects for a significant improvement in the living standards of pensioners. We will not be able to increase real pensions as quickly as we would like: by 10% by 2024, and by 25% by 2035. This is at an average growth rate of 1,7% of GDP. With 3,5% growth, pensions will increase by a third by 2035,” Kudrin said.
At the same time, he categorically opposed filling the Pension Fund from budget sources.
“Taxes can be increased, but business is critical. Oil revenues, I believe, cannot serve as a basis for paying pensions. In 2008, half of the entire Reserve Fund was spent on maintaining the budget sector, including the Pension Fund. And in two years of recession, the second half was spent. There is no reserve fund, only the National Welfare Fund remains. It will be enough for one such crisis. There are no more funds,” Kudrin said.
Let us recall that in July the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted the draft pension reform in the first reading. Three opposition factions opposed it. Today the Communist Party of the Russian Federation organized a rally outside parliament. Consideration of the reform in the second reading is expected in September.
Liberal Kudrin admitted: After raising the retirement age, pensions will not increase.