Russia to put an end to poverty

Minister of Finances Alexei Kudrin along with Minister of Economic Development German Gref and Minister of Labor and Social Development Mikhail Zurabov conducted a joint press-conference for the first time since the government's reorganization. Interestingly, all three of them predicted the country's prosperous future in unison, reports “Oreanda”.

The main foundation for such enchanting future will be laid as soon as April 8th. The government intends to introduce a new concept of tax reforms on this particular date, informed Alexei Kudrin. In addition to the concept, said the Minister of Finances, the Ministry of Finances plans to increase tax on oil products by means of a special mechanism of import duty in the nearest future.

However, Head of the Ministry of Economic Development German Gref has ruined the overall optimistic tone of his colleague. Decision to beat poverty by 2007, instead of 2008 made both Gref and Kudrin to discuss something in private. According to Gref, this is one of the most ambitious issues posed by the President. “I can't say whether we could solve the problem,” stated the head of the Ministry of Economic Development, adding that the Ministry will work on it, reports “Oreanda”.

Apparently, Gref was rather skeptical about the actual time frame. To battle poverty by 2007 means taking actions 25% faster, informs Strana.Ru.

Kudrin did not hide his skepticism either. According to him, average pension in Russia constitutes nearly 30% of an average salary. He also stated that nowadays Russian government works towards increasing an average pension to 40%.

Source: Russian information agancies