Russian authorities are preparing to cut tens of thousands of government jobs due to a budget shortfall
Russian authorities are planning massive layoffs of public sector employees amid a sharp rise in the government budget deficit. As of April 1, the number of employees recommended for dismissal had reached 105,147. These figures were reported by Rostrud.
This is reported by Russian media.
For comparison, a month earlier there were 104,775, and in February—100,397. Overall, the number of planned layoffs has increased by more than 40% since the middle of last year.
The largest number of layoffs is expected in Moscow, the Moscow, Omsk, and Irkutsk regions, as well as in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Employees in the financial and tax sectors, healthcare, and state and local government agencies are most often affected by the cuts.
The reason cited is a shortage of funds in federal and regional budgets. In the first two months of 2026, the federal budget deficit has already exceeded 4.6 trillion rubles, which is higher than projected. Meanwhile, regional budgets ended last year with a record deficit of 1.5 trillion rubles.
The BBCplans its largest staff reduction in 15 years.
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