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Good afternoon, colleagues,

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We will talk about issues related to socioeconomic development.

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We have just discussed the development problems in the Omsk Region 

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and Siberia with the Governor.

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But in my opening remarks, I will mention only one of the most serious 

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current problems: the pension system reform proposed 

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by the Russian Federation Government.

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As is known, the Government launched an initiative to reform 

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the pension system and submitted a relevant draft to the State Duma,

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which the parliament adopted in the first reading.

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Of course, it was expected and sparked rather fierce debates in society.

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It is understandable, because for everyone,

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especially for older people, a pension age rise is an important 

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and sensitive matter which hardly anyone is going to approve of.

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This has always been the case when reforms like this were carried out.

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 Always and everywhere.

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At the same time, we must look at the real situation 

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in the economy and the labour market.

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We must understand what awaits Russia in ten,

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twenty or even thirty years.

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We agreed that, while preparing the draft law for the second reading,

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our colleagues in the Government would hold consultations with 

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political parties, trade unions, civic organisations,

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regions and the expert community.

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Today I would like to hear what amendments you propose to make 

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to the draft law, following these discussions.

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Of course, I, for my part, constantly monitor the discussions.

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I have my own opinion on a number of issues.

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I will speak about this later.

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And now I will point out the approaches I believe essential.

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I understand that in developing the draft law,

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our colleagues in the Government followed strict economic,

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financial and demographic calculations.

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This is how it must be. It is important and necessary.

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But please do not forget that all our decisions will concern millions 

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of people, therefore, they must be fair and take into 

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account Russian citizens’ interests.

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It is not enough to act in a formal and mechanical way.

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It takes careful and well thought-out action.

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It is important to consider and contend with very different 

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life situations. The human dimension must be taken into consideration 

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in the provisions of this draft law.

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Of course, all the decisions to ensure the interests of older citizens,

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their labour rights, healthcare and social welfare,

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must be made in advance.

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We cannot follow the principle of Louis XIV of France who 

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said “After us the deluge."

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We cannot act this way if we have a responsible attitude 

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towards our country.

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Before we begin sharing our opinions,

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I would like to repeat: if these reforms are necessary,

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it is so that the Russian pension system can do more than just live up 

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to today’s realities.

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Also, it is not enough for the system to be financially 

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stable for decades ahead.

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Most importantly, these changes must ensure a decent quality of life,

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protect the interests of today’s pensioners and future 

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generations of our citizens.

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Therefore, all our steps must be system-wide and thoroughly calculated.

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Very soon, perhaps tomorrow, I will elaborate 

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on my attitude and make a statement.

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But first I would like to hear what you think.

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Let’s start working.