Russian state media banned from going off script in budget coverage

Russian state-owned and pro-government online media outlets have received guidelines on how to report on the draft Russian budget for 2027-2029.

Source: Meduza, a Latvia-based Russian media outlet, citing guidelines for Russian state media

Details: The guidelines, which have been reviewed by Meduza, advise media outlets to tell readers that the government's priority in drawing up the budget remained "the people" and the state will "fulfil and increase all social obligations" towards them.

The "unconditional fulfilment" of these obligations is said to be the "main feature" of the draft budget.

The Russian Presidential Administration has also compiled a list of experts who can comment on the adopted draft budget, in which 44% of spending will be on defence and the security forces.

Background:

• On 30 September, the Russian government submitted the draft budget for 2027-2029 to the State Duma.
• The Russian authorities expect the budget to receive 471.4 billion roubles (about US$5.6 billion) in so-called voluntary contributions from businesses in 2026.

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