JRL NEWSWATCH: “Putin Dials Back Pension Plan After Backlash” – Wall Street Journal/Ann M. Simmons

“… Putin softened a plan to raise pension ages to bolster state finances, a rare backtrack following a public outcry that cut his approval ratings to the lowest level in more than four years. … Putin proposed that the pension age for women be increased from 55 to 60 instead of the 63 years proposed by parliament. He didn’t propose reducing the retirement age for men, which would still increase from 60 to 65. … Putin’s intervention over the plan underscores a central challenge he faces after 18 years in power: Russia’s economy is facing years of slow growth without the kind of overhauls that could undermine Mr. Putin’s bargain with citizens to provide relative economic well-being while limiting political freedoms. …”

Click here for: “Putin Dials Back Pension Plan After Backlash; Bill to bump up the qualifying age for state pensions draws popular ire, hits president’s popularity” – Wall Street Journal/Ann M. Simmons