Russia Not to Raise Taxes Until 2018 Despite Such Calls

The Russian authorities will not increase the tax burden on the population before 2018, despite repeated calls for such a move amid the current economic crisis, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to Medvedev, Russia can cope with the current economic situation without changing the tax system.

"Despite the fact that we know there is a very difficult economic situation today, we made a political decision… before 2018… we will not make decisions to increase the tax burden, even though we constantly hear such calls," Medvedev told the United Russia party’s educational forum, aimed at training participants to become candidates for elections to the Russian parliament.

"Firstly, because we still have reserves in the existing tax system… Secondly, it is important that the tax system remains stable," the prime minister added.

Last month, Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev said the country’s economy might see renewed growth in 2016.