16 June 2004 12:35
Russia`s Communists plot revolt over changes to benefits system
Moscow, 16 June: The CPRF [Communist Party of the Russian Federation] is preparing a nationwide referendum on issues
connected with extra payments to people who receive benefits and privileges [since old system of benefits and privileges
is being dropped] and "the procedure for a referendum will be launched in the near future", Ivan Melnikov, the
deputy chairman of the party's Central Committee, reported today to the press.
Communists, he stressed, are fully resolved to carry out this action.
Melnikov called the government's draft law on benefits "odious and antisocial", "introducing
changes to 155 laws and removing benefits and social guarantees" and "touching on the interests of over 100m
people". He maintained that the document contradicts seven out of 37 articles of the Russian Federation's
constitution.
He noted that, in the event that the draft law is adopted, the law on the social development of the countryside will
be abolished and teachers, doctors and young specialists coming to work in the countryside will stop getting a
25-per-cent wage increment.
For his part, the CPRF leader, Gennadiy Zyuganov, noted that questions would be put at the referendum on ensuring a
minimum level for wages and pensions and also envisaging that payments for communal services do not exceed 10 per cent
of joint family incomes.
Gennadiy Zyuganov reported that the Communists are planning a nationwide protest action on 1-2 July against the
adoption of the draft law on benefits.
[ITAR-TASS news agency] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
