Russia's Social Policy Response to Covid-19: Temporary and Categorized Benefits

Abstract

This report analyzes the political context of the spread of Covid-19 in Russia, identifies major social support programs and evaluates their impact on mitigating possible undesired consequences for the population. Based on an analysis of state support programs and their impact, the report draws several conclusions. First, Russia's political regime and political dynamics account for (1) the prioritization of adopting amendments to the Constitution over public health measures to contain the pandemic, (2) the leading role of presidential decrees in Russia’s social policy response, and (3) the limited managerial capacities and financial resources of regional authorities to contain the pandemic’s consequences. Second, the particularity of Russia's social policy response, including its focus on families with children and the categorization of beneficiaries, mirrors pre-existing principles and priorities of welfare provision. Third, the overall scope of Russia's social policy response is inadequate. The focus on temporary measures and the absence of additional measures during the recent autumn rise of Covid-19 cases show the government's underestimation of the long-term social consequences of the pandemic.