Protest Outside Duma As Russian Lawmakers Vote On Retirement Age Hike

Protesters gathered outside the Russian State Duma on September 25 as lawmakers inside voted to approve proposals to raise the retirement age by a vote of 326-59 with one abstention.The vote was the second of three that must pass the lower house before the bill goes to the upper house and then to President Vladimir Putin for his signature. The final vote in the lower house is expected on Thursday.The proposals will see the retirement age rise from 55 to 60 for women and from 60 to 65 for men, with the changes expected to be rolled out gradually and in place by 2028.Radio Free Europe reported the legislation was watered down from earlier plans passed in parliament to increase the retirement age for women to 63.Thousands protested across Russia, according to international reports. Some 6,000 to 9,000 people marched in Moscow, RFE reported, citing conflicting reports from organizers and officials. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful