The State Duma on Friday officially approved a revised bill on the transportation tax, which leaves in place the current base rate, after a wave of criticism forced the Duma to recall an approved bill that would double the tax.
The government had to backtrack on its intentions to double the rate of the transportation tax, which is key to funding some regional budgets, after protests from car owners, opposition parties and eventually the Kremlin. On Friday, 312 deputies — all from United Russia — voted to pass the revised measure, while the other parties in the Duma had 131 votes against the measure.
(MT)
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
