Protests by Russian pensioners appear to be paying off as they continue to stage demonstrations against social security reforms
Published:
22 January 2005 y., Saturday
Protests by Russian pensioners appear to be paying off as they continue to stage demonstrations against social security reforms. The Russian government is now acknowledging it made mistakes. President Vladimir Putin made concessions on Monday. And now the Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin - speaking in the Duma, the lower house of parliament - admitted the reform had not been handled well.
He said details had not been thought through properly and said he was prepared to take responsibility for any errors. Demonstrators in Moscow were among about 40 million people affected by the reforms which give the retired, the disabled, war veterans, and others cash payments for public transport and free medicine instead of benefits.
The benefits date back to the Soviet era. Authorities in many regions, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, have already restored free transport for the retired or offered subsidised travel passes.
Politicians from the Communist Party and the nationalist Homeland faction have called for the law to be suspended.
Russian parliamentarians in the Kremlin-controlled Duma have blocked the demands.
Šaltinis:
euronews.net
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
The Champs Elysees rings in the holiday season with a festive lighting display.
more »
Westminster Abbey is confirmed as the venue for the wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011.
more »
15,000 pilgrams flock to see official unveiling of the world's tallest statue of Jesus in Poland.
more »
Muslims in Bangladesh go to market to buy livestock to slaughter for the approaching holy Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.
more »
Ten–year strategy for people with disabilities so they can take part in all aspects of daily life across the EU.
more »
Ahead of the Africa-EU Summit taking place from 29-30 November in Libya, the Commission presents today its proposals for a consolidation of the Africa-EU relations.
more »
Average CO2 emissions from new cars sold in the EU dropped by 5% last year, the biggest annual fall ever recorded, a report published today by the European Commission shows.
more »
Baby koala fights for her life in Australia after being injured by shotgun fire.
more »
Plans to give consumers more control over how personal information is collected and used.
more »
A severe drought pushes river levels in Brazil's Amazon region to record lows, isolating communities and strangling vital boat transport links.
more »