Actuality November, 14, 2007

There are four basic problems in the economy of Russia, impeding its development. They are corruption, inflation, pension plan deficit and infrastructural limitations of economy growth. To such conclusion came the authors of the program of social and economic development of Russia for 2008-2010 called “Second breath”. It is represented by Igor Nikolaev, the head of the authors’ group, the director of strategic analysis department of audit and consulting company FBK, and Evgeny Yasin, the research manager of State University of Higher School of Economics (HSE).

The program is based on the results of analytical investigations of the most relevant questions of economic policy, conducted by FBK company in 2001-2007. Except the specified problems, it includes their correction recommendations.

In particular, the authors of the program suggested to apply the institution of antiinflationary examination of laws and other normative acts. Competition development measures are suggested to take to fight against inflation. Authors also mark, that state price management brings only to inflation growth, but not to its control.

To fight against corruption the company suggests to apply the lifelong prohibition on holding state posts of officials convicted on bribes. There are posts in the country appointed by the decision of the President now. Authors suggest to open information about the incomes of such officials at most. For example, all information about them and their relatives should be provided on mass media request.

The basic mistake, in the authors of the program opinion, is transfer of natural resources into financial. “It is dangerous to create such things in our country, like a large money bag and let it lie there. One needs to invest money into the infrastructure, for example. The undeveloped infrastructure restrains economy development now”, declared Igor Nikolaev.