Russian Machine-Building Workforce Plummets by Nearly 90%, Leading Academic Warns

Academic Nigmatulin's Stark Warning

According to Главком: At the Moscow Economic Forum, Russian Academy of Sciences member Robert Nigmatulin voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating economic and social conditions in Russia. During a plenary session, he presented stark figures showing a dramatic collapse in the machine-building sector's workforce. According to Nigmatulin, employment in this critical industry has fallen from 4 million people in 1999 to just 440,000 today-a decline of nearly ninety percent.

Critique of Economic Management

The academic also highlighted Russia's poor standing in international economic rankings, placing 51st out of 50 possible positions in an economic decathlon ranking, which underscores profound systemic issues. He emphasized that

“we have the lowest incomes in Europe,”

pointing to severe socio-economic challenges facing the population.

Nigmatulin delivered a scathing critique of the country's economic leadership, stating:

“It is impossible to manage an economy this way. And we must convey this opinion to the president. The current leaders managing the economy must be removed; they are good for nothing.”

He further lamented the nation's prolonged decline, remarking: “Everything is going to the dogs! We have been watching indifferently for 30 years!”

When questioned earlier this year about the causes of Russia's declining GDP, President Vladimir Putin pointed to calendar and weather-related factors. The machine-building sector is a traditional bellwether of industrial health, making its drastic contraction a particularly alarming signal. A continuation of this downward trend could have severe consequences for the nation's economy and social fabric, likely fueling further debate on the urgent need for policy changes.

The observations made by Nigmatulin underscore deep structural problems within the Russian economy, including massive job losses in vital industries. This situation suggests a pressing need for economic policy reform to prevent further deterioration. Russia's sharp decline in international rankings also indicates a necessity to overhaul economic management approaches, a topic that may require discussion at the highest levels of government.

The alarming decline in the machine-building workforce is just one aspect of Russia's broader economic troubles. Recent reports indicate that the economy has contracted for the first time since the onset of the war, with key sectors witnessing significant downturns. This interconnection between industrial collapse and economic contraction raises pressing questions about the future stability of the nation.