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http://www.themoscowtimes.com/mobile/business/article/russian-government-failing-to-stem-rising-poverty/525858.html Moscow Times also reported recently that a debt crisis is looming in the Russian regions due to a series of unfunded mandates passed back in May of 2012: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/mobile/business/article/525723.html It seems the sanctions combined with other internal political-economic factors (Russia was on the verge of recession before the sanctions were imposed) are draining the honeypot that is used to keep key oligarchs and bureaucrats appeased. That in turn probably means less money is trickling down to the provinces, hence there is less money for local administrators to embezzle to maintain their opulent lifestyles (a la the end scene in Leviathan). Wage arrears for state employees have allegedly been growing along with strikes and protests in the regions (http://theconversation.com/russian-workers-wage-arrears-protests-send-putin-a-chilling-reminder-of-the-yeltsin-era-31660), so it's possible things could get interesting fast if the Russian economy takes a turn for the worst... _________________________________________________________ Full posting guidelines at: http://www.marxmail.org/sub.htm Set your options at: http://lists.csbs.utah.edu/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
