Residents of Kalmykia criticize pension reform and law on native languages

On July 3, the participants of a rally in Elista demanded from federal authorities to abandon their plans to increase the retirement age and the law on the voluntary study of native languages at schools, urging residents of Kalmykia to vote against the United Russia Party at republic's parliamentary elections.

The rally sanctioned by the city authorities was held in Victory Square in the Elista "Druzhba" (Friendship) Park. It was attended by 150-200 people, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, who was present at the rally, has reported.

The rally was organized by the Kalmyk branch of the "Yabloko" Party, said Batyr Boromangnaev, the branch leader.

According to his story, the rally was initiated by non-indifferent residents, who decided to voice out their protest against the latest decisions and initiatives of federal authorities.

"First and foremost, this is the increase of the retirement age, which will be considered by the State Duma; then, the increase of the value-added tax (VAT) from 18% to 20%, and a rise in prices for gasoline and diesel fuel. Another important issue is the bill on the non-mandatory study of native languages in national republics. I believe that this discriminatory act of federal authorities is directed against the preservation, survival and development of all non-Russian ethnoses, and first of all against those nations that have their own statehood," Mr Boromangnaev has stated.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 4, 2018 at 11:49 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.