Amid Protests, Putin Increases Pensions
Russian President Vladimir V. Putin promised a moderate increase in pensions and blamed federal and local officials for failing to properly implement changes that cut off benefits to millions of Russians.
Putin’s comments came hours after police blocked hundreds of protesters from retaking a major intersection in St. Petersburg that thousands of pensioners occupied over the weekend. Demonstrators blocked major roads in other cities.
A law that gives retirees, the disabled and others cash stipends instead of benefits such as free medicine and public transportation took effect Jan. 1.
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