This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Abroad from the KU Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies.
Most Americans look forward to retirement – a time to pursue hobbies, spend time with family, and travel. In Russia, it’s the same and that’s why outraged senior citizens gathered in 39 cities to protest the government’s proposal to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65 for men, and from 55 to 63 for women. Because so many Russian men die in their 60’s, there is real concern that “they’ll get their pensions in their coffins.” Some call the retirement age hike a “true crime” because it robs each retiree of a million rubles or $16,000. Here in Russia, widespread opposition against President Putin is rare and can be, you know, fatal but the babushkas and dedushkas whose retirement funds are being threatened are not afraid. Nearly three million of them have signed a petition against the pension reform. Some are saying that if anything can topple Putin’s government, it is the army of the elderly. Forward march!
With thanks to Lisa Giullian for this text, from the KU Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, this is Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.
