Putin proposes to index pensions above inflation, by 8.6%

MOSCOW, Jan 12 (PRIME) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to raise pensions by 8.6%, which exceeds inflation, he said at a government meeting on Wednesday.

"Earlier decisions will not help the people cover the costs caused by high inflation last year. This is why I suggest … indexing pensions by a bit higher than inflation… By 8.6% with a possibility to amend it a little, because there are no final inflation figures so far," Putin said.

He estimated inflation amounts at 8.4% and asked the government to take all necessary measures soon.

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