Russia Weighs Biggest Spending Spree Since Putin’s Re-Election
- Kremlin to boost health, education, infrastructure outlays
- Putin seeks fourth term in March vote amid falling incomes
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Russia’s government is discussing a proposal to turn on the fiscal taps in what would be the biggest domestic spending spree since President Vladimir Putin last ran for re-election in 2012.
Kremlin economic aide Andrey Belousov said expenditures on health, education and infrastructure could be raised by 1.5-2 percent of gross domestic product, the official Tass news agency reported Tuesday. Cuts to outlays in other areas and “optimization” of taxes are among the options being considered to help offset the cost, he said. No final decision has been made, according to Belousov.