Majority of Russians Disagree with Taxation for Unemployed Individuals
In recent developments, the concept of a tax for able-bodied citizens without official employment has sparked discussions in Russia. A survey conducted by the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VCIOM) sheds light on the current trends and public perceptions surrounding this issue.
The survey, which polled 1600 people, revealed that only 4% of respondents consider individuals consciously not working a positive example. In contrast, 57% expressed negative sentiments towards such individuals. Interestingly, 46% of Russians perceive a 'freeloader' as someone who doesn't work and isn't proactive, while 24% associate the term with people living off the state or relatives.
The survey also found that 33% of Russians support the introduction of a tax for able-bodied citizens without official employment, a figure that mirrors the opinions obtained in 2015. However, 59% of Russians oppose such a tax, with more opposition among the youth (18-24 years old) and more divided opinions among those who experienced the Soviet era (born between 1948 and 1967).
As for government policy, Russia's unemployment rate has reached historic lows, currently at 2.2% as of May 2025. The government emphasizes the need for structural changes in employment to boost labor productivity and incomes, particularly by transitioning workers from traditional "supporting sectors" to more modern, high-productivity jobs. President Putin and government officials have also stated the intention to reduce reliance on low-productivity sectors and support the creation of modern jobs.
However, there is no evidence of a formal proposal or active public debate regarding a specific "tax on the unemployed" or able-bodied non-working citizens in recent policy announcements or major media coverage. The focus is instead on encouraging job creation, refining labor legislation, and supporting transitions to higher-productivity work.
In conclusion, while there is some support for a tax on able-bodied citizens without official employment among the Russian population, the current trend in government policy focuses on improving job quality and productivity, reducing poverty, and supporting targeted economic sectors, rather than imposing taxes on the non-employed. Public opinion appears more concerned with economic opportunity and access to resources than with penalizing those outside official employment.
References: [1] The Moscow Times [2] Statista [3] Russia Beyond [4] Vedomosti
- Amid the ongoing discussions about policy-and-legislation in Russia, the idea of a tax for able-bodied citizens without official employment has gained traction, as revealed by the survey conducted by VCIOM.
- Despite the minority support for a tax on able-bodied non-working citizens, politics surrounding the issue is complex, with more Russians opposing it and expressing positive sentiments towards job creation and improving labor conditions as per the general-news report.
