5 September 2005 (RFE/RL) -- President Vladimir Putin says Russia must pursue a prudent fiscal policy.
Speaking at a meeting of politicians and officials before the parliament starts debating the draft budget this autumn, Putin asked them to refrain from "poorly thought out decisions."
Russia's rulers are walking a tightrope between the need to save money against any future drop in crude prices and the desire to redistribute wealth around the country.
Intense pressure from parliament has already forced the government to pencil in more than $10 billion dollars in extra outlays in its draft 2006 budget, approved last month by the cabinet.
(Reuters)
For weekly news and analysis on Russia, subscribe to "RFE/RL Russian Political Weekly."
Russia's rulers are walking a tightrope between the need to save money against any future drop in crude prices and the desire to redistribute wealth around the country.
Intense pressure from parliament has already forced the government to pencil in more than $10 billion dollars in extra outlays in its draft 2006 budget, approved last month by the cabinet.
(Reuters)
For weekly news and analysis on Russia, subscribe to "RFE/RL Russian Political Weekly."