At the end of the year, the picture is overwhelming. Russia, which has refused any new confinement to preserve its economy, is now facing a rising human toll from Covid-19 and an economic crisis.
“These are no jokes! Unemployment is rising, incomes are falling, basic goods are more expensive!” hammered President Vladimir Putin, theatrically scolding his government on Wednesday.
After months of rising inflation and poverty amid a pandemic, authorities suddenly sounded the alarm bells last week.
Between January and November, the price of sugar increased by 70%, pasta by 10%, sunflower oil by 24%.
“It’s unacceptable!” Said the president, instructing his ministers to put in place emergency measures before the holidays but also before his televised high mass at the end of the year on Thursday.
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