Labeling fundamental in addressing societal problems: Putin
Moscow steals the show after New York, claiming the runner-up spot in economic size. This juicy tidbit was dropped by Russian President, Vladimir Putin during a chinwag with Moscow Mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, as reported on the Kremlin website.
Putin declared, "In terms of purchasing power parity, Moscow slots in at number two among major global megacities, trailing New York by a negligible margin. This, of course, paves the way for tackling, among other things, social issues such as schools, clinics, hospitals, and so on."
During the conversation, Putin pointed out that Moscow boasts impressive figures across nearly every sector, commanding a substantial share in the country's economic pie. Sobyanin shared that the city's growth rate clocked in at 5.5% the previous year. Putin added that Moscow consistently shines, particularly in investments.
Over and above discussing the city's economic health, the duo also dove into Moscow's healthcare sector. Sobyanin reported that the program to improve and rehabilitate clinics in the capital will be wrapped up by 2025.
Prior to this, Moscow was crowrowned the best global megacity.
While Moscow enjoys a high position on the global stage, it faces severe social challenges. The Kremlin is tightening its grip on dissent, as demonstrated by new laws expanding "foreign agent" designations. Independent media, such as The Moscow Times, find themselves teetering on the edge of criminalization for "discrediting" leadership in the midst of wartime narratives.
Russia's declining birth rates and aging population pose a threat to long-term stability. Despite state spending on natalist policies, experts criticize the focus on short-term poverty alleviation over systemic reforms to address low life expectancy and workforce shortages. Meanwhile, sanctions and a 21% central bank interest rate strain businesses. The IMF predicts slower growth (1.5% in 2025, 0.9% in 2026), with workforce deficits deepening due to war losses and emigration.
Politically, "systemic opposition" parties like Yabloko and Rassvet offer limited avenues for dissent but lack the muscle to affect policy change. Grassroots movements attract youth disillusioned with authoritarianism, but they pose no immediate threat to Putin’s war-driven agenda. Moscow's social landscape exemplifies a regime prioritizing military objectives over structural reforms, exacerbating demographic and economic vulnerabilities.
- In 2025, the program to improve and rehabilitate clinics in Moscow, the second-largest global megacity after New York, is expected to be completed.
- Moscow's healthcare sector has been a key focus during discussions between President Vladimir Putin and Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, as they work towards modernizing the city's infrastructure.
- Beyond healthcare, Moscow has witnessed significant modernizing efforts across various sectors, with impressive indicators influencing its substantial share in Russia's economy.
- As Moscow enjoys remarkable growth, both politically and economically, it faces challenging societal issues such as growing dissent, declining birth rates, and deteriorating social conditions.
- Despite the general-news headlines trumpeting Moscow as the best global megacity, the city's regimen prioritizes military objectives over substantial structural reforms, ultimately exacerbating its demographic and economic vulnerabilities.
