OREANDA-NEWS Lowering the retirement age is not yet possible, it is not a question of the next decade, Svetlana Bessarab, a member of the State Duma Committee on Labor and Social Policy, told RIA Novosti.

"(Is it possible to review the pension reform in the coming years? — Editor's note) No, I don't think it's possible. Based on the ratio of the number of working Russians, the number of Russians of working age and the number of pensioners. Today we have 75 million Russians of working age and 42.8 million pensioners. Of course, we can't turn back yet. <...> I think this is not a matter for the next decade," said the agency interlocutor.

The parliamentarian noted that by the end of 2024, it was decided to increase the period for receiving, for example, a funded pension. According to her, Russians have begun to live longer, even if this situation has changed by six months.

"Of course, we are following the path of robotization today, and look at how many robots are actually replacing humans today. On the path of digitalization and automation of processes. We even plan to release state and municipal employees in the near future due to the digitalization of the provision of state and municipal services. Gradually, all industries will be tightened up. Does this mean that we will be able to review the retirement age in the future? Yes, it is possible, quite," admitted Bessarab.

In addition, according to the State Duma deputy, a scenario is possible in which the retirement age will be lowered, but for this it is necessary to ensure that the budget of the social and pension insurance fund is filled, and it is also necessary to understand that the country's economy is sufficiently developed to provide for its pensioners.