First Channel states that most economists predict a further decrease of oil prices in the global markets. One of the recent developments has been the slowdown of the Chinese economy. Economist Mikhail Khazin names two options to solve the economic crisis: to rescue the global economy at the expense of the US economy or to save the US economy at the expense of the global economy; the USA opted to save itself by increasing interest rates and thus strengthening the US dollar, First Channel reports.
Russia Channel reports that the beginning of the year has been tough for Russia, with oil plummeting below 30 dollars per barrel and the ruble further devaluating. At the first meeting of the Russian government in 2016, which was held on January 13, President Putin warned the government that it should be ready for anything.
The government Ministers actively participated at the Gaidar Forum in Moscow on January 13, where Finance Minister Anton Siluanov called for the state budget cuts, Economic Minister Aleksei Ulyukaev predicted that ruble has equal chances to keep weakening or start growing, and the head of the Duma Committee on Budget and Taxation Andrei Makarov stated that the unprecedented scale of the Russian people’s trust in the President is probably one of the most important assets in the current economy.
Russia Channel quoted Minister of Energy Alexander Novak as saying that Russian companies feel confident even with current oil prices as the cost price of oil production in Russia is at the range of 5-15 dollars per barrel. The Minister says that the current low oil prices give Russia a chance to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons.
Russia Channel states that one of the reasons of the oil prices’ decrease is the slowdown of China’s economic growth. In China, such sectors as real estate and the steel and coal industries, have been especially badly affected, the channel reports.
First Channel quotes analysts as saying that the recent drastic decrease of oil prices was caused by declines in Chinese exchanges which coincided with the announcement that sanctions will be lifted from Iran.
This week, the Russian government had meetings every other day, preparing budget cuts. Another task for the government is to establish a single fiscal administration, which will encompass the Taxation Service, Customs, the Pension Fund, and even the Federal Service on Regulating Market of Alcohol.
First Channel reports that Prime Minister Medvedev visited AvtoVAZ to see the latest models of Russian-made cars. According to the channel, despite the recent significant reduction of car sales in Russia, the authorities have managed to prevent the closure of manufacturing companies and large-scale layoffs. Prime Minister Medvedev ordered that there be developed a 10-year plan for the automotive industry in Russia, with an emphasis on import replacement and developing “promising” new car models. Russia, he says, should export up to 25% of the cars it produces by 2025. Medvedev also pledged 50 billion rubles to support the industry in 2016.
Russia Channel reports that the government is seeking input on economic proposals from many sources. First, many proposals for improving the economy via state support for small businesses were given to the government by businessmen at the OPORA of Russia Forum. President Putin was present at the forum as well. OPORA is a Russian business organization. In addition, on January 20, Prime Minister Medvedev had a meeting with the members of the Expert Council affiliated with the government. Four of the experts are scholars from Higher School of Economics, including rector Yaroslav Kuzminov; others include the head of Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Aleksandr Shokhin, banker Oleg Vyugin, rector of the Academy of National Economy Vladimir Mau and rector of Academy of Foreign Trade Sergey Sinelnikov-Murylev. Medvedev reportedly suggested that the Russia’s economic policies would be changed in accordance with the findings of the meeting. Meanwhile, President Putin told a separate meeting with scientists that the authorities intend to support only successful research centers, in order to create conditions for economic growth.
First Channel stated that unprecedented snowfalls occurred all over Russia and caused tragedies in many places. Ninety people got stuck on a road blocked with snow in Orenburg region, while in Tatarstan, a family with children died of cold after the local utility company cut off power to their home. In many cities, such as Ryazan, Petrozavodsk, Omsk and Chelyabinsk, utility companies failed to remove snow quickly enough because of lack of equipment or being not prepared, First Channel states.
First Channel states that 14 Russian regions are at epidemic levels for flu, and that 28 people died in January, 2016 due to complications related to flu. Moscow doctors state that half of those showing acute respiratory infection have H1N1 – so called “pig flu.” The epidemic is expected to last for 4-6 more weeks.
Russia Channel reports that those people who died of flu this year had not been vaccinated. They all went or were taken to the doctor too late. Meanwhile, there is no chance that a large-scale, deadly pandemic similar to 1918 influenza pandemic, might occur, as a proper vaccine for the disease is in place.
Russia Channel reports that 440 thousand people visited the Serov exhibition at the Tretyakov Gallery since October, 2015. No exhibition in the Soviet Union or contemporary Russia has had so many visitors.
First Channel reports that the organizers of the Serov exhibition had not expected so many visitors. People stood in line outside, in cold, in some cases for five hours. Visiting the exhibition became fashionable among Muscovites. The Emergency Ministry even had to deploy field kitchens outside the gallery in order to help people waiting.
First Channel reports that the commission conducting public investigation of the murder of Aleksandr Litvinenko, has made a statement about the investigation outcome. The channel stated that the judge accused former FSB officers Lugovoi and Kovtun of the murder and that the judge produced no evidence for this.