The future of the Russian economy looks increasingly grim, and this anxiety is amplified by expert statements. Igor Lipsits, Doctor of Economic Sciences, makes no secret of his disappointment regarding the country's prospects. He notes that certain proposals from pro-government circles evoke not hope, but rather despair.
For example, the well-known businessman Konstantin Malofeev, as mentioned, suggests abolishing pensions altogether, saying, "To hell with these pensions? Why are they needed? Let children be the ones who support the elderly." Lipsits bitterly emphasizes, "While I, as it were, state this with sorrow, the other participant, it seems, feels ecstasy." The expert explains that such ideas do not correspond to modern realities, as humanity has faced low birth rates, and such medieval approaches will not work. Even sarcastic proposals appearing in the Russian State Duma, for example, regarding "reproduction leave" or banning contraceptives, indicate a disconnect from reality. As interviewee Iryna Babloyan notes, "I wouldn't be surprised if at some point they actually give up on it altogether."
The pension situation is already critical. Lipsits warns, "Most likely, delays will begin first... simply receiving pensions will become a significant problem." He recalls the 90s, when the country's budget "had no money." Now, the situation is worsening, as the National Welfare Fund, intended as a safety cushion for pensions, "has practically been spent," meaning sources for supporting the system are scarce. Lipsits advises pensioners to "save a little, just a little bit" to avoid starving when payments are delayed.
The expert also makes a shocking statement: "The war has shown that there is a huge number of superfluous people in Russia, needed by no one." This applies to middle-aged men who go to war because "for them, it's the best way to earn money." Russia's economy, according to him, "will no longer grow; at best, it will stagnate." The government's goal, in his opinion, is merely to have "subjects who can be sent to war." This, according to Lipsits, is the main objective of the authorities.
Regarding external influences, including Donald Trump's attempts to influence the situation, Lipsits sees no saving grace for Russia. He believes that Trump's policies also bring chaos: "Trump tries to imitate some old presidents... he doesn't know how to be president. He's got poor ideas in his head." The expert points to the absurdity of some decisions, noting that Trump "did foolish things, did fantastically stupid things." Examples of clumsy sanctions and attempts to circumvent them, leading to the emergence of a whole "army of people who profit from circumventing sanctions," indicate the chaotic nature of the policy.
Unfortunately, as Lipsits concludes, "if idiots start running a country, even such a large and rich one, the country can be ruined." This points to a deep crisis where common sense often gives way to absurd actions.
