Draft budget of the Russian Federation for the year. Introducing bills to the State Duma. What is included in national issues

MOSCOW, November 18 – RIA Novosti. The State Duma on Friday adopted in the first reading the bill on the federal budget of the Russian Federation for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019.

The country's main financial document was presented to deputies at a plenary meeting by Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Chairman of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova.

The project provides for a budget deficit in 2017 at the level of 3.2% of GDP, in 2018 - 2.2% of GDP, in 2019 - 1.2% of GDP. Revenues for 2017 are projected at 13.488 trillion rubles, expenses - 16.241 trillion rubles, and the deficit will accordingly be 2.753 trillion rubles. The volume of budget revenues for 2018 is estimated at 14.029 trillion rubles, expenses - 16.04 trillion rubles, for 2019 - 14.845 and 15.987 trillion rubles, respectively.

The document was drawn up based on the average annual oil price of $40 per barrel and inflation not exceeding 4% for all three years. It is assumed that the average dollar exchange rate in 2017 will be 67.5 rubles, in 2018 - 68.7 rubles, in 2019 - 71.1 rubles.

It is expected that in 2017 the Reserve Fund will be completely depleted, since the fund's funds in the amount of 1.15 trillion rubles will be used to cover the federal budget deficit. It is planned to spend 668.2 billion rubles from the National Welfare Fund (NWF) to finance the budget deficit in 2017, 1.16 trillion in 2018, and 139.7 billion rubles in 2019.

The bill allows for external borrowings of up to $7 billion in 2017, and $3 billion per year in 2018-2019. It is envisaged that in 2017 the Ministry of Finance will have the right to exchange old issues of Eurobonds for new ones up to $4 billion. Net government domestic borrowing of the Russian Federation (raising loans minus debt servicing costs) for a three-year period is limited to 1.05 trillion rubles per year.

Deputies

Deputies from United Russia voted for the country's main financial estimate. “I want to say right away that United Russia will support the budget in the first reading. At the same time, we proceed from the fact that the draft budget provides for the fulfillment of all the most important obligations stipulated by the state. First of all, social obligations,” the first vice-chairman noted on Friday. Speaker of the State Duma, United Russia deputy Alexander Zhukov. He is convinced that the federal budget will be implemented even in the event of significant fluctuations in oil and gas prices.

The opposition traditionally does not support the draft budget. Thus, the leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation Gennady Zyuganov believes that the document adopted in the first reading will only deepen the split in society. “This budget will inevitably lead to a political crisis. After the financial crisis, a political one will come,” Zyuganov told reporters before the start of the plenary session.

"A Just Russia" announced the development of its alternative draft budget, which, in their opinion, is superior to the government version. “Our position is sharply negative. We will vote against... Today is probably the most important day of the year. As people say: “the day feeds the year.” But we have a dietary budget: for some, cabbage soup without meat, for others pearls and unlimited,” said Oleg Nilov, deputy leader of the Socialist Revolutionary faction.

The LDPR called this document a “budget of consumption.” “The faction will not support the budget for 2017 and the subsequent period in the first reading,” said Sergei Katasonov, first deputy head of the State Duma Committee on Budget and Taxes.

Sections

According to the structure of expenditures of the open part of the budget, it is proposed to allocate 1.021 trillion rubles to national defense in 2017, 948.3 billion rubles in 2018, 941.2 billion rubles in 2019. Under the section “National Security and Law Enforcement”, 1.270 trillion rubles are allocated next year, in the next two years - 1.262 trillion and 1.259 trillion rubles, respectively. Within the “National Economy” section, expenditures are planned in the amount of 2.144 trillion rubles in 2017, 2.199 trillion rubles in 2018, 2.060 trillion rubles in 2019.

In the “Social Policy” section, expenditures in 2017 are 5.079 trillion rubles, in 2018 4.958 trillion rubles, in 2019 5.05 trillion rubles.

548.9 billion, 568.6 billion and 566.4 billion rubles are allocated to the “Education” section over three years, respectively. In general, 363.9 billion rubles will be allocated for healthcare next year; in 2018, a little more will be allocated - 383.3 billion rubles; in 2019, on the contrary, there will be a decrease in expenses - to 349.4 billion rubles.

Over three years, expenses in the Housing and Communal Services section have been significantly reduced: in 2017, 58.2 billion rubles will be allocated, and in 2018 - 28.8 billion rubles, in 2019 - 25.6 billion rubles.

The tense global political situation forces citizens to think about the future. Russia is going through hard times. The economy, one might say, is being reborn anew, and this entails inevitable costs in the form of a federal budget deficit. People feel unstable, and therefore are already asking the question: what Russian budget for 2017 in numbers?

When preparing a budget, important factors are taken into account. This is the oil and gas component, the general world situation. Laying down articles for the next three-year period, the authorities also paid attention to the existing sanctions of foreign countries against our country and Russia’s response to them.

The law that determined the budget for 2016 was an innovation, because traditionally the budget is determined for the next year and planned for another 2 years. But due to the lack of clear forecasts and constant changes (not always for the better), the government did not dare to take on the responsibility of forecasting for 3 years ahead.

However, in 2016, the authorities seem to be optimistic, because in the coming weeks there will beand funds have been earmarked for 2018 and 2019. The federal law will come into force on January 1, 2017.

So, according to the draft federal law, state revenues will amount to 13.4 trillion rubles. Expenses, in turn, are 16.2 trillion. What do these numbers say? Yes, the state does not have enough money . Nominally, these are almost 2016 numbers. Of course, inflation also matters; taking it into account, income will decrease compared to the previous year. According to forecasts of the Ministry of Finance, the state is able to reduce expenses and increase the revenue component. The prognosis is quite good: if Russian budget deficit for 2017will be 2.8 billion, then in 2018 - 2 billion, and in 2019 it will be 1.1 billion rubles

The budget for housing and communal services is rapidly declining: in 2017, it is planned to allocate 58 billion rubles to this area, and in 2018 only 28.8 billion rubles.

Budget of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for 2017will amount to almost 1968 billion rubles, which is 12.2% of the share of total expenses. However, this department is facing significant changes, first of all, they relate to staffing. Not only are the requirements for professional qualities becoming more stringent, but the moral and psychological aspects of the personality of an individual employee now play a major role. These criteria were introduced partly as conditions for staff reductions. By October 2017 it may decrease by almost 10%. This means that 100 thousand employees will be left without work. The innovations will have little impact on employees working “on the ground”, directly with the population (precinct officers, for example). The share of their reductions will be no more than 2%. Those who remain in the ranks of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will receive pleasant bonuses - a 5% increase in salary.

Since 2015, Russia has outlined a direct course towards supporting and strengthening national defense.Russia's military budget in 2017will amount to 2840 billion in 2017. This is 6% less than in 2016, taking into account inflation. It is worth noting the existence of so-called closed, secret items in the budget. In the defense sector, 800 billion is planned for such an item. There are opinions that this money will be used for early fulfillment of obligations on loans to defense enterprises in order to save interest.

Without exaggeration, one of the most important and expected financial documents in our country can be called the federal budget. It contains basic information about planned cash flows in Russia: income components, expected expenses. The budget reflects in numbers all the activities, programs and payments planned by our Government.

The formation and execution of the document is regulated by law. So, it has been signed for the next financial year and public information from it is already available. Read about the adopted Russian budget for 2017 in numbers in the article below.

Structure of the planned state budget

What is this document? It is compiled by the Government of the Russian Federation on the basis of a forecast of socio-economic development, which contains the expected parameters of indicators affecting the country’s income. Expected income items are formed from them. Then the revenue portion is distributed to the necessary needs of the country.

The completed document is sent to the State Duma for consideration. It must be approved in three readings, after making possible amendments. As of today, the Russian budget for 2017 has been adopted in terms of development and income forecasts.

Predicted values

What numbers are the country's leadership focusing on in the near future? The basic scenario, which is the basis of the budget, contains the predicted values:

• Oil price: $40;
• Dollar exchange rate (annual average): 67.5-71 rubles;
• Gross domestic product: 86.8 trillion. rubles (growth 0.6%);
• Inflation (increase in consumer prices): 4%.

Income

Budget revenues next year will amount to 13.42 trillion. rubles The corresponding Russian budget for 2017 in dollars will be about 200 million. This corresponds almost completely to the 2016 budget revenues. The revenue side of the budget consists of the following main revenues:

Oil and gas sector (RUB 5,029 billion):

• Customs duties.

Other (RUB 8,408 billion):

• Excise taxes (alcohol, fuel, tobacco products);
• Corporate income tax;
• Mineral extraction tax;
• Customs duties;
• Other.

For comparison, here is the ratio in 2012: 50.2% - income from the oil and gas sector and 49.8% - all others. Now income from the oil industry is less than the rest by a third. This distribution requires no comment and immediately answers one of the popular questions - how dependent is Russia on oil?

Expenses

According to the budget, expenditures are expected to amount to 16.18 trillion. rubles This is 425 billion rubles. less than the previous year, but by 2.75 trillion. more income.

The expenditure side of the country's budget causes much more disagreement among deputies. After the first reading, about 500 amendments were made, 3 out of 4 parties were against the proposed document. Let's consider the expense items of the adopted budget.

• National issues: 1170 billion rubles. (+72 billion compared to last year);
• National defense: 2840 billion rubles. (- 1000 billion rubles);
• National security: 1968 billion rubles. (+25 billion rubles);
• Economy: 2292 billion rubles. (+124 billion rubles);
• Housing and communal services: 30 billion rubles. (-30 billion rub.);
• Environmental protection: 76 billion rubles. (+11 billion rubles);
• Education: 568 billion rubles. (+10 billion rubles);
• Culture and cinema: 94 billion rubles. (+2 billion rubles);
• Medicine and healthcare: 377 billion rubles. (-89 billion rubles);
• Social policy: 5080 billion rubles. (+450 billion rubles);
• Sports: 86 billion rubles. (+20 billion rubles);
• Mass media: 74 billion rubles. (-2 billion rub.);
• Public debt: 729 billion rubles (+89 billion rubles).

After the second reading, part of the expenses was redistributed. As you can see, investments in the economy will increase next year. It is planned to allocate significant funds to support small and medium-sized businesses, as well as subsidize the regions. The budget of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs for 2017 has also been increased as planned. Funds have been added for the reconstruction of sports facilities, and additional subsidies are awaiting regional media.

Russia's military budget for 2017 (section National Defense) will be reduced and will amount to 73% of last year. Housing and communal services costs will be cut by half.

However, not all expenditures of the state treasury are accessible: 18% of them are not open data and are classified.

Shortage

Russia's budget deficit for 2017 still exists, despite the planned economic growth and significantly reduced (by 425 billion rubles) expenses. Its value is very significant - 2.75 trillion. rub., which is a fifth of the revenue or 3.16% of GDP.

According to the project for the next 2018-2019, its size will gradually decrease, but over these three years it will not be possible to completely get rid of the cash deficit in the treasury, even in conditions of the strictest savings.

If we analyze the dynamics of financial revenues to the state budget, we can see: the deficit is due to a reduction in the profitability of the oil and gas sector. Currently, the government’s goal is not only to reduce the budget deficit, but also to reduce oil dependence by reorienting the economy to a new investment model of development.

Where does the difference come from?

The budget deficit in the Russian Federation has been occurring for several years now, and all previous years it was compensated from the Reserve Fund. The remaining amount there today is 1.15 trillion. rubles will be spent in the first few months, but even this money will not be enough to finance the necessary expenses.

How will funds be found for the remaining almost 2 trillion? rubles? The latest news about the Russian budget for 2017 voices the decision to partially use the National Welfare Fund. Almost 67 billion rubles will be used for current needs. There will also be a placement of loan bonds on the domestic market in the amount of about 2 trillion. rubles This solution was proposed by the Ministry of Finance, and, apparently, there are no worthy alternatives.

Other possibilities for reducing the deficit include amendments to the Tax Code, as a result of which the increased tax burden will partially help in the current situation. Thus, the mineral extraction tax on petroleum products and gas will increase, and excise taxes on fuel - diesel and fifth-class gasoline - will increase. Wine, tobacco products and e-cigarettes will also be subject to increased rates.

Conclusion

The 2014 crisis showed all the imperfections of the economic model currently existing in Russia. Significant dependence on the income of only one sector of the economy, lack of adequate cash reserves and other issues related to political orientation require revision and restructuring in accordance with the needs of the time.

However, the political course chosen by the Government to stabilize the situation in the country has proven to be quite effective. The economy is showing growth, and foreign analysts are improving their own forecasts regarding Russia’s socio-economic development over and over again. Therefore, there is reason to believe that the planned elimination of the budget deficit over 3 years should be realized.

Appendix 1. Standards for the distribution of income between the budgets of the budget system of the Russian Federation for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 Appendix 2. Standards for the distribution of income between the budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 Appendix 3. Standards for distribution revenues from excise taxes on motor gasoline, straight-run gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oils for diesel and (or) carburetor (injection) engines produced on the territory of the Russian Federation, to the budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation for 2017 Appendix 4. Standards for the distribution of excise tax revenues for motor gasoline, straight-run gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oils for diesel and (or) carburetor (injection) engines produced on the territory of the Russian Federation, to the budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 Appendix 5. Standards for the distribution of excise tax refunds for household heating fuel produced from diesel fractions of direct distillation and (or) secondary origin, boiling in the temperature range from 280 to 360 degrees Celsius, produced on the territory of the Russian Federation, for 2017 Appendix 6. Limits on tax revenues from excise taxes on alcoholic products with volume fraction of ethyl alcohol over 9 percent, with the exception of beer, wines, fruit wines, sparkling wines (champagne), wine drinks made without the addition of rectified ethyl alcohol produced from food raw materials, and (or) alcoholized grape or other fruit must, and (or) wine distillate, and (or) fruit distillate produced on the territory of the Russian Federation, subject to credit to the budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 Appendix 7. List of chief administrators of federal budget revenues Appendix 9. Departmental structure of federal budget expenditures for 2017 Appendix 9.1. Changes in the departmental structure of federal budget expenditures for 2017, provided for in Appendix 9 to the Federal Law “On the Federal Budget for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019” Appendix 9.2. Changes in the departmental structure of federal budget expenditures for 2017, provided for in Appendix 9 to the Federal Law "On the Federal Budget for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019" Appendix 12. Departmental structure of federal budget expenditures for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 Appendix 15. 1. Changes in the distribution of budget allocations by sections, subsections, target items (state programs of the Russian Federation and non-program areas of activity), groups of types of expenses of the classification of federal budget expenses for 2017, provided for by Appendix 15 to the Federal Law "On the Federal Budget for 2017 and planning period 2018 and 2019" Appendix 15.2. Changes in the distribution of budget allocations by sections, subsections, target items (state programs of the Russian Federation and non-program areas of activity), groups of types of expenses of the classification of federal budget expenses for 2017, provided for by Appendix 15 to the Federal Law "On the Federal Budget for 2017 and for the Planning Period 2018 and 2019" Appendix 19.1. Changes in the distribution of budget allocations by target items (state programs of the Russian Federation and non-program areas of activity), groups of types of expenses, sections, subsections of the classification of federal budget expenses for 2017, provided for in Appendix 19 to the Federal Law "On the Federal Budget for 2017 and for the Planning Period" 2018 and 2019" Appendix 19.2. Changes in the distribution of budget allocations by target items (state programs of the Russian Federation and non-program areas of activity), groups of types of expenses, sections, subsections of the classification of federal budget expenses for 2017, provided for in Appendix 19 to the Federal Law "On the Federal Budget for 2017 and for the Planning Period" 2018 and 2019" Appendix 25. Distribution of budget allocations for the implementation of federal target programs for 2017 Appendix 25.1. Change in the distribution of budget allocations for the implementation of federal target programs for 2017, provided for in Appendix 25 to the Federal Law “On the Federal Budget for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019” Appendix 25.2. Change in the distribution of budget allocations for the implementation of federal target programs for 2017, provided for in Appendix 25 to the Federal Law "On the Federal Budget for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019" Appendix 28. Distribution of budget allocations for the implementation of federal target programs for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 Appendix 31. Distribution of budget allocations for 2017 by constituent entity of the Russian Federation for the implementation of social payments for the purchase of housing by citizens leaving the regions of the Far North and equivalent areas, as well as citizens who left these areas and areas no earlier than January 1 1992, in accordance with the federal target program "Housing" for 2015 - 2020 Appendix 32. Distribution of budget allocations for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 by constituent entities of the Russian Federation for the implementation of social payments for the purchase of housing by citizens leaving the regions of the Far North and equivalent areas, as well as citizens who left these areas and areas no earlier than January 1, 1992 , in accordance with the federal target program "Housing" for 2015 - 2020 Appendix 33. Distribution of budget allocations for the provision of budget investments to legal entities that are not state (municipal) institutions and state (municipal) unitary enterprises, for 2017 Appendix 33.1. Change in the distribution of budget allocations for the provision of budget investments to legal entities that are not state (municipal) institutions and state (municipal) unitary enterprises for 2017, provided for in Appendix 33 to the Federal Law "On the Federal Budget for 2017 and for the planning period 2018 and 2019 years" Appendix 33.2. Change in the distribution of budget allocations for the provision of budget investments to legal entities that are not state (municipal) institutions and state (municipal) unitary enterprises for 2017, provided for in Appendix 33 to the Federal Law "On the Federal Budget for 2017 and for the planning period 2018 and 2019 years" Appendix 35. Distribution of budget allocations for the provision of budget investments to legal entities that are not state (municipal) institutions and state (municipal) unitary enterprises for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 Appendix 41. Distribution of subsidies related to the special regime for the safe operation of closed administrative-territorial entities, budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation for 2017 Appendix 42. Distribution of subsidies related to the special regime for the safe functioning of closed administrative-territorial entities, budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 Appendix 44. Program of state internal borrowings of the Russian Federation for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 Appendix 45. Program of state guarantees of the Russian Federation in the currency of the Russian Federation for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 Appendix 46. Program of state external borrowings of the Russian Federation for 2017 and for the planning period 2018 and 2019 Appendix 47. Program of state guarantees of the Russian Federation in foreign currency for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019 Appendix 50. Distribution of subsidies from the federal budget for state support of individual public and other non-profit organizations in 2017

Federal Law of December 19, 2016 N 415-FZ
"On the federal budget for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019"
(with applications 1 - 15)

With changes and additions from:

Moscow Kremlin

The federal budget for 2017-2019 has been adopted.

Thus, income is expected to increase from 13,368.6 billion rubles. in 2016 to 13,487.6 billion rubles. in 2017 (+0.9%), to RUB 14,028.5 billion. (+4%) in 2018 and up to RUB 14,844.8 billion. (+5.8%) in 2019. Expenses for 2017 are planned in the amount of 16,240.8 billion rubles, for 2018 - 16,039.7 billion rubles, for 2019 - 15,987 billion rubles. Thus, the budget deficit in 2017 is envisaged at 3.2% of GDP, in 2018 - 2.2%, in 2019 - 1.2%.

The budget was formed based on the GDP volume of 86.806 trillion rubles. in 2017, 92.296 trillion rubles. in 2018, 98.86 trillion rubles. in 2019, as well as an annual inflation rate not exceeding 4%, and an average annual oil price of $40 per barrel. It is assumed that the ruble exchange rate will fluctuate in the range of 67.571.1 rubles. for 1 US dollar.

The main source of financing the budget deficit will be government domestic borrowings. Their volume may increase approximately 3 times compared to 2016 (up to 1.05 trillion rubles per year). In addition, already in 2017, the Reserve Fund (RUB 1.2 trillion) will be fully spent for these purposes. The National Welfare Fund will allocate 659.6 billion rubles in 2017, and 1.1 trillion rubles in 2018. and 136.9 billion rubles. - in 2019.

In 2017, GDP growth will accelerate to 0.6%, in 2018 - to 1.7%, and in 2019 - to 2.1%.

In 2017-2019 an increase in the volume of public debt is predicted. At the end of 2017, it will amount to 13,972.2 billion rubles, in 2018 - 15,177.1 billion rubles. and in 2019 - 16,651.9 billion rubles. In general, the size of public debt will remain at a safe level of less than 20% of GDP.

The largest item of expenditure next year will be social policy. 5.1 trillion rubles have been allocated for it. For the national economy - more than 2.1 trillion rubles.

Budget allocations for the “National Defense” section compared to 2016 will be reduced by more than 1 trillion rubles. The share of total expenses under this section in 2017 compared to 2016 will decrease from 23.7% to 17.5%. In 2018 and 2019 the shares will be 17% and 17.6%, respectively.

The amount of maternity (family) capital in 2017 will reach 453,026 rubles, and the amount of contribution per participant in the savings and mortgage system for housing support for military personnel will be 260,141 rubles.

Up to 200 billion rubles. credit support for regions has been increased. In 2017, they will also receive a separate type of subsidy - to ensure balanced budgets. In particular, an additional 18.65 billion rubles will be sent to Crimea, 5.16 billion to Sevastopol, and 16.4 billion to Chechnya.

Federal Law of December 19, 2016 N 415-FZ "On the federal budget for 2017 and for the planning period of 2018 and 2019" (with appendices 1 - 15)

This Federal Law comes into force on January 1, 2017.

The text of the Federal Law was published on the "Official Internet Portal of Legal Information" (www.pravo.gov.ru) on December 21, 2016, in the "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" dated December 23, 2016 N 292 (without Appendices), in the Collection of Legislation of the Russian Federation Federation of December 26, 2016 N 52 (part I, II, III, IV, V) Art. 7464

History of consideration and adoption of the Federal Law

On Friday, December 9, the State Duma adopted in the third final reading the draft federal budget for 2017 and for the planning period 2018-2019. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin called it “optimal, but tough.” 99 out of 414 deputies who voted spoke out against the adoption of the state budget. DW found out why the document is controversial and what its main parameters are.

The shortage will continue. The reserve fund will be exhausted

According to the adopted law, budget revenues in 2017 will amount to 13.5 trillion rubles, expenses - 16.2 trillion rubles. The deficit is thus projected at 2.8 trillion. It is supposed to be financed from the Reserve Fund, which is expected to be exhausted next year, as well as from the National Welfare Fund - it will have 4.2 trillion rubles left by the end of 2017.

GDP is expected to grow from 0.6% in 2017 to 1.7% in 2018 and 2.1% in 2019. Inflation over the next three years is forecast at 4%. The dollar-ruble exchange rate, which is proposed to be relied upon, will be 67.5 rubles per dollar in 2017 and then will increase - to 68.7 in 2018 and 71.1 rubles in 2019. Deputies budgeted for an oil price of $40 per barrel. At the same time, the IMF gives a forecast for 2017 of $50.6 per barrel with subsequent growth, and the World Bank - $55.2.

Nevertheless, experts positively assessed the conservative approach of legislators. As noted in the conclusion of the Gaidar Institute of Economic Policy and RANEPA on the draft budget, “taking into account the existing risks and uncertainties, a conservative approach in forming the revenue side of the federal budget seems justified.”

More than a third of all expenses- on defense and secretarticles

The budget assumes that defense and secret spending (mainly in the “National Defense” section, as well as in the “National Economy”, “Healthcare” sections, “Pre-school Education”, “Periodicals” and others) will be reduced next year by more than 20%. Military spending - up to 2.836 trillion, secret - up to 2.771 trillion rubles. Taken together, spending on these items is more than 15 times higher than spending on health care and almost 10 times higher than spending on education.

As stated in the conclusion of the Gaidar Institute and RANEPA, “among countries not at war, Russia is one of the record holders for the largest defense expenditures.” Thus, according to experts, if the share of defense expenditures in the Russian budget is almost a quarter of all expenditures, then in the United States, which has a colossal military budget, this share is only 15%, and in Germany - 11%.

Experts also criticize the excessive number of secret items that create budget opacity. “The share of closed expenses is more than an order of magnitude higher than similar indicators of public finances in developed countries,” the authors of the conclusion note. According to them, this contradicts the law “On State Secrets,” which allows secrecy only for budget expenditures in the field of intelligence, operational-search activities, as well as in the field of countering terrorism.

For education andhealthcarewill spend everything5,8% all expenses

Expenditures on education next year will increase by 2% - to 568.5 billion rubles. At the same time, spending will increase the most - by 29.5% - under the item "youth policy", which will amount to 2.3 billion. But for preschool education, allocations will be reduced by 45.2% - to 3.2 billion, for general education cut by 38.3% - to 17.7 billion. The most expensive item is higher education. Expenses for it will increase by 3.2% - to 497.3 billion.

Healthcare will receive almost a quarter less funds from the federal treasury in 2017 than this year - only 364 billion rubles. As experts from the Gaidar Institute and RANEPA note, “the relative amount of government spending on healthcare in Russia is significantly lower than in developed countries and does not correspond to the real level of economic development of the country.”

Social spending is rising, but poverty is not falling

More than 5 trillion rubles will be allocated for social policy in 2017 (28.2% more than in 2016). At the same time, experts point out that the sharp increase in appropriations in Russia does not lead to a reduction in the level of poverty in the country. From 2008 to 2015, the number of poor people accounted for 13.4% of the total population, despite the fact that social spending increased by more than 200% over these years.

Context

As Arseniy Mamedov, head of the budget policy laboratory at the Gaidar Institute, explained to DW, the problem is that the payments are not individual enough: “There are still quite a lot of categorical benefits, and targeted means testing is not carried out enough. Large amounts end up being spread across all recipients, However, not all of them really need it."

Productive costs are reduced, no development

One of the key complaints expressed by experts regarding the adopted budget is that it, in the words of deputy Alexei Zhuravlev, is a “budget of patience” and not of development. One of the reasons is the reduction of so-called productive expenses at a faster pace than non-productive ones.

The first, according to Arseniy Mamedov, includes expenses that lead to an acceleration of economic growth. These are mainly the costs of human resources (health, education, etc.), as well as infrastructure. The rest are unproductive: for public administration, defense, etc.

By the way, spending on infrastructure will be reduced in the coming years, and especially significantly on transport. In nominal terms, the year-on-year decline in 2017, 2018 and 2019 will be 14%, 12% and 30%, respectively. According to analysts, this threatens many infrastructure projects.

The head of the Center for Economic Research at the Institute of Globalization and Social Movements (IGSO), Vasily Koltashov, told DW that, in his opinion, the Russian authorities, in principle, will not be able to solve economic problems and move to growth through widespread spending cuts. According to him, a fundamental change in the economic vector is necessary towards increasing spending and stimulating consumer demand and industrial production through this.

See also “How Russia accumulated and spent its Reserve Fund”: