gigagreggpost incoming 16.01.2025 update today, i have quite a lot to report, so lets start with the most noteworthy issue regarding the russian economy. since the kremlin has prohibited the central bank from raising interest rates, the bank has resorted to its only remaining option to stabilize the ruble: freezing peoples deposits and imposing restrictions on withdrawals. ordinary citizens are now facing daily limits on how much they can withdraw or pay from their accounts. people no longer trust the banking system or economic policies. they are withdrawing cash and exchanging their rubles for western currencies on the black market. deposits are being liquidated, and people are buying gold instead. the consequence is that no one wants to be left holding rubles, which will cause the ruble to collapse again. what the central bank is essentially doing is burning down its own house to get temporary warmth  a strategy that cannot last long. iltalehtis experts, emil kastehelmi and john helin, were critical of hans petter midttuns analysis and launched a strong attack on it. one might question what experience and contacts these two gentlemen have compared to hans. moreover, they are in helsinki behind their desks, while hans is on-site, in daily contact with people at the frontlines and within the administration. hans travels freely around the country without press officers, while emil and john are escorted by press officers.
Finland