The State Duma was outraged by the idea of cutting vacations and New Year's holidays amid the special military operation.

      15 October 2025 14:54 Society

      In Russia, it was proposed to reduce paid annual leave to 21 days and New Year holidays to 6 days. The initiative was put forward by public figure and political technologist Vadim Popov, who justified it by the difficult economic situation and the ongoing special military operation.

      However, Svetlana Bessarab, a member of the State Duma committee on labour, social policy and veteran affairs, called the proposal unfounded and ill-conceived. In a conversation with 360.ru she noted that Russia’s economy is growing, defence capability has strengthened, and working conditions are improving.

      Bessarab reminded that employers have tools to increase the number of working days, but only with the consent of employees. This can be an irregular workday or overtime, which is compensated with additional pay or extra days off.

      She also stressed that employers do not have the right to worsen working conditions, and the state has long since ceased to go down that path. On the contrary, working conditions for employed Russians are only improving.

      “So why make such a fuss, I do not understand at all. […] Everything is fine. Production of defence equipment in particular has increased significantly. If in 2022–2023 it did not require changes to working hours, why is he raising this issue now just to stir up the Russians?” the parliamentarian said.

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