Almost Half of Russian Families Can Afford Only Food, Clothing

[Maarkhoor]

https://learningenglish.voanews.com...es-can-afford-only-food-clothing/4937419.html

Almost half of all Russian families say they have enough money only for food and clothing. They say they cannot buy other things they need for their houses, such as furniture and appliances. In other words, they can buy short-term items but not long-term items.

Media reports say the information comes from a survey of 48,000 households by the state agency Rosstat. Russian media company RBK said a little more than 48 percent of families did not have money to buy smartphones or refrigerators. However, that number is an improvement – last year, almost 50 percent said the same thing.

Young families and older people who do not work were most likely to say they could not pay for more than food and clothing.

Economic troubles have damaged the public image of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In Putin’s first years as president, in 2000 to 2008, the country’s economy was growing quickly. High prices for Russia’s oil and gas exports helped create that growth.

Now, lower oil prices and restrictions by Western countries have slowed economic growth. The West ordered the restrictions to punish Russia for its interference in Ukraine, and other actions.

A recent government study found that more than 65 percent of Russians say they approve of Putin’s actions as president.

The study also found that public trust had dropped. About 32 percent of Russians said they trust Putin’s ability to resolve important problems facing the country. That is the lowest percentage he has received since 2006.

And in India....leave aside food and clothing.....only 15 to 20% have toilets and clean drinking water.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

And in India....leave aside food and clothing.....only 15 to 20% have toilets and clean drinking water.

I'm sure that is somehow considered high in Asia.

 

[Avicenna]

VOA = Voice of Assholes

Wow that was really funny!

 

[nahtanbob]

Russians are a lot better off than poor Americans who often get gun shot by no reason.

i will tell that to the russian whore in a foreign land

 

[BATMAN]

Wow! White russians aren't even spared from western atheist hate mongering and bigotry.

WTF is atheist hate mongering?

 

[Mugwop]

WTF is atheist hate mongering?

Goray chittay atheist and their sanctimonious attitude.
They believe all people who follow some sort of religion are sub-humans and love to slander them for no reason.
These same khunzeer are desperately trying to restrict muslims,christians from their faith by rationalising with science.What is beyond my comprehension is how and why they also harbor so much hate for chinese and north koreans who are also atheists ???

 

[beijingwalker]

Things are more dire in US, 40% of Americans Can’t Afford $400 Emergency, 2 out of 3 U.S. adults with debt.
Americans have debt at present:

• 80.9% of baby boomers
  
  
• 79.9% of Gen Xers
  
  
• 81.5% of millennials
  

 

[vostok]

I've heard that around 1/3 of US population receive food aid from government in one form or another.

 

[jamal18]

Guys, I am interested in this topic. Can somebody who actually lives there tell me what's the story?
I have heard all sorts of stories about poverty in Russia, but when you go on Youtube, you see a normal prosperous people.

@vostok You live there, what's the truth?

 

[Kamikaze Pilot]

You just go and see the kind of poverty and crime rate in American country side...
And you would be amazed what you find.
The yanks always become champions of human rights where as condition back home is worse.

Are you referring to blacks (African-Americans)?

 

[Cobra Arbok]

TBH that is not much different than in the US. Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck and have almost no savings for a rainy day fund, let alone luxuries.

On a side note I was recently in Russia, absolutely beautiful country.

 

[vostok]

Guys, I am interested in this topic. Can somebody who actually lives there tell me what's the story?
I have heard all sorts of stories about poverty in Russia, but when you go on Youtube, you see a normal prosperous people.

@vostok You live there, what's the truth?

Actually, I live in Ukraine. But I can sure you - Russia is, of course, not as rich as England or Germany, but it is on par with Eastern Europe, somewhere near Hungary. Russia is richer than some EU countries such as Romania, Croatia and others.

 

[jamal18]

Thanks.
What's Ukraine like? I've heard it's pretty bad?

 

[vostok]

Thanks.
What's Ukraine like? I've heard it's pretty bad?

Before 2014 it was more or less normal, now it is really bad. The poorest country of Europe.

 

[jamal18]

Before 2014 it was more or less normal, now it is really bad. The poorest country of Europe.

People hungry? How bad. Details?