Putin's annual address announces welfare payments and warns the West

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 21 Apr 2021 by Alex Teddy
On April 21 the president spoke to the nation in his annual address. Putin claimed that Russia and Belarus foiled a dastardly plot to assassinate Lukashenka. He warned any would-be aggressors that vengeance shall be swift and decisive.The president recognized that cost of living is the Number 1 concern of the average Russian. He promised more money for families. He said his priorities were economic growth and reducing poverty. There will be a windfall payout of USD 130 in August to families with school-age children. That is not to be sneezed at in a country where the minimum wage is USD 150 per month. This was a calculated electoral pledge, given that the payment will arrive a month before the Parliamentary elections in September.United Russia - the main party for Putin - has its lowest rating in 8 years. Living standards have been declining since 2014. The Kremlin wants its parties to win the election without too much cheating. Navalny is close to death. More illegal protests are planned. Sanctions have been tightened. Putin seems to be juggling several problems.Navalny once advocated tactical voting. Oppositions voted for the candidate best placed to unseat the United Russia incumbent. This paid some dividends and is likely to be used in September.Putin is circumspect about public spending. His fiscal conservatism has led some to say the stimulus package is inadequate. The raft of measures will cost USD 5.2 billion up to 2023. That is 0.2% of GDP. Experts have slammed this as mere window dressing. The payments include a payment of USD 73 per month to a child for single parents and USD 83 for pregnant women on low incomes.Putin urged people to be vaccinated. Only 10 m...

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