Russia: Thousands nationwide protest pension reform plans July 28

Event

Thousands of people across Russia participated in protests over pension reform on Saturday, July 28, denouncing government plans to raise the age at which citizens can begin collecting pension funds. Around 12,000 people reportedly protested against the proposal in Moscow; protests also took place in several dozen cities and towns across Russia, including in Novosibirsk (Novosibirsk oblast), Kazan (Republic of Tatarstan), and Yekaterinburg (Sverdlovsk oblast), as well as in other areas in Siberia and the Russian Far East.

A related demonstration is planned to be held on Moscow's Academician Sakharov Avenue on Sunday, July 29. Additional protests over the pension reform plans are to be anticipated nationwide over the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near demonstration sites.

Context

Russian government officials have proposed raising the pension age from 55 to 63 for women and from 60 to 65 for men to help offset the economic effects of an aging population and a smaller workforce. The State Duma (lower house of parliament) passed the pension reform bill on July 19.

Advice

Individuals in Russia, particularly in Moscow, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.