Russians Rally Over Benefits
Tens of thousands of Russians protested across the country Saturday against a law replacing transportation and medical benefits for pensioners with cash payments, but they were countered by massive rival demonstrations organized by pro-Kremlin forces.
The Communist-backed protest calling for the government’s ouster was the most widespread in President Vladimir V. Putin’s five years in power. It was also the first time that Putin allies took to the streets over the reform.
The overhaul, which took effect Jan. 1, replaced cherished benefits such as free transportation for pensioners and other groups with cash payments that many say are sorely inadequate.
The reform has dented Putin’s popularity and on Thursday prompted Communists to lead an unsuccessful no-confidence vote in parliament against the government.
An Interior Ministry spokesman said nearly 240,000 Russians demonstrated across the country, but he also said the ministry did not have a breakdown between pro- and anti-Putin rallies.
A Communist Party official said the anti-Putin protests drew more than 200,000 nationwide.
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