Demonstrations in Russia against Pension Reform

Thousands demonstrators protested in Moscow on Sunday in response to the pension reform.

Currently under consideration by the Parliament, the reform aims to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65 for men, and from 55 to 63 for women in order to shore up government finances. According to an opinion poll, 90% of the population opposes the reform, and a petition against it has collected 3 million signatures online. The reform is all the more unpopular that Putin, newly reelected, never told the people about this project. In 2005, he promised not to raise the retirement age.

“We have to proceed not from emotions, but from a real assessment of the economic conditions and prospects of its development and (the development of) the social sphere,” Putin answered.

As a result, 6,000 demonstrators, according to the White Counter data (the police say 2,500) protested in Moscow holding placards with slogans like “stop stealing our future” or “Putin is a thief”. On Saturday, there were 12,000.

According to the Russian center for public opinion survey (VTsIOM), the President's approval rating has decreased from 80% of support in May to 64% today.

However, officials said the measure may help to raise the average pension in Russia, currently around 12,500 Rubles ($200).

By Antoine Dewaest

Photo: Kommersant