Inequality will be more salient as Russians feel pinch

Outlook

By any measure, Russia has become a much less equal society since 1991. While 10% of the population own 82% of all household wealth, 41% had incomes of 300 dollars or less in 2017, with 13% falling below the official subsistence level.

Although the highest average incomes are earned in oil and gas regions and in Moscow and St. Petersburg, these places are often more unequal than others, reflected by higher Gini coefficient numbers. Thus, Moscow and St. Petersburg are home to the wealthiest residents but also many of the poorest. Russia differs from some other societies in that the rich are widely perceived to have acquired their wealth unlawfully.

Impacts

• Tax increases and fuel hikes will hit middle-income and poor Russians as real disposable income is set to fall for yet another year.
• Higher living costs will intensify the sense that a wealthy ruling elite is squeezing voters for cash.
• The falling popularity of President Vladimir Putin and his government suggests Russians resent their treatment.
• Past protests about corruption, road tax and waste disposal show people are prepared to mobilise around economic hardship and unfairness.