MOSCOW, Jan 17 (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin called Monday for a larger-than-planned hike in pensions for the elderly after protests by pensioners angry at the withdrawal of Soviet-era benefits spread throughout the country.
In remarks to government ministers broadcast on state television, Putin said a planned increase of 100 rubles (3.6 dollars) in the basic monthly pension, scheduled to take effect on April 1, was "insufficient" and should instead be at least twice that amount from March 1.
The Russian leader criticized the government and regional leaders who he said had "not completely carried out their task" which was to implement social security reforms without worsening the situation of the elderly, the disabled and others who depend on government assistance to live.
Shortly after Putin spoke, Russian Health and Social Security Minister Mikhail Zurabov announced that pensions would be increased by 240 rubles (nearly nine dollars) starting March 1, Russian news agencies reported.
The moves came after protests by pensioners upset at the withdrawal of benefits such as free public transport and basic medicines spread to Russia's Far East and other parts of the country.
01/17/2005 16:30 GMT - AFP