Russia plans to freeze federal public service wages in 2024 while other inflation measures proceed
In 2024, the salaries of federal public service employees in Russia are not slated for indexation, a detail surfaced in a RBC report derived from the explanatory memorandum on the draft federal budget for the coming year and statements from an official who requested anonymity. The document clearly notes that wage indexation for government employees will not be implemented next year.
The publication adds that the current budget law anticipates a 4 percent increase in official salaries, echoing the approach taken during the 2014–2016 period. Typically, such adjustments were applied on October 1, but for 2024 the government appears to be holding back indexation in an effort to tighten budget spending and maintain fiscal discipline.
Beyond the wage decision, there has been no public comment from the government apparatus regarding these findings as of now. The same sources indicate that the October 1, 2023, schedule still allowed for indexation in other sectors, including the military, security forces, and certain professions like cashiers, security guards, drivers, and accountants. It is important to note that separate policy changes are also affecting citizenship requirements, with a new historical knowledge exam for prospective citizens and a condition linking citizenship to family status for those married to Russian nationals who have children together. These changes were discussed in October by media outlets such as Newspapers.Ru and are part of a broader trend toward tightened regulation and evolving public policy.
Wage differences across Russia have shown only minor shifts in recent years, signaling limited progress toward narrowing income gaps within the public sector as a whole.