Nabiullina warned the government about pessimistic forecasts

“We must be prepared”

At the plenary session of the Moscow Financial Forum, optimists argued with pessimists over the adequacy of the socio-economic development forecast for 2024, on the basis of which the federal budget was formed.

As is known, the figures for economic growth and a number of other parameters in the forecast of the Ministry of Economic Development and the Central Bank differ markedly: the regulator is very cautious in describing the prospects of the Russian economy.

According to the head of the Central Bank, Elvira Nabiullina, there is nothing wrong with such discrepancies. In addition, the Central Bank carries out constant monitoring and adjusts its estimates four times a year.

However, the situation may develop differently, she warned. “The situation may turn out to be optimistic – this has happened, but I remember how our risky scenario was realized. We also need to be prepared for this,” Nabiullina believes.

Anton Siluanov assured that even in the event of a sharp deterioration in the economy, nothing terrible will happen – this is precisely why the structure with the National Welfare Fund was created.

“Regardless of what the forecast is, the state will fulfill all the obligations it has undertaken,” says the head of the Ministry of Finance. And presidential aide Maxim Oreshkin expressed the opinion that even the Ministry of Economic Development in its forecast traditionally relies on overly conservative estimates, and in reality the situation is much better.

“In the coming months, Siluanov will struggle with excess income, and not with its lack,” Oreshkin reassured the head of the Ministry of Finance. “You see: there’s nowhere to put the money!” – the head of the Ministry of Finance was delighted. However, he did not look happy. More like nervous.