Sergei Glaziev: USD 150 billion taken out of country during Putin's term

USD 150 billion was taken out of the country during Putin's term. Such is the claim, as reported by a Rosbalt correspondent, made by presidential candidate Sergei Glaziev at a press conference. 'This sum is enough to pay off the debt owed to the depositors of Sberbank who lost their savings in 1991,' said Glaziev. He remarked that as a result of such a policy, 'when the government legalized the transfer of capital abroad,' the country has already lost nearly USD 500 billion.

'Today, the central bank has one task - the growth of foreign currency reserves. This is not correct. As a result of the devaluation of foreign currency, just this past year Russia has lost nearly USD 20 billion,' said Glaziev. In his opinion, the central bank must take upon itself the task of guaranteeing the independence of the ruble. 'And the government should not be legalizing capital flight, but keeping it in the country,' concluded Glaziev.