The State Duma has once again proposed to introduce a 13th pension.

      In Russia, it is necessary to introduce an additional, 13th pension to strengthen social support for elderly citizens. This proposal was made by Nikolai Kolomeitsev, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Labor, Social Policy, and Veterans Affairs.

      According to the deputy, the additional payment is especially important for pensioners for whom the pension is the only or main source of income.

      "The introduction of a 13th pension could be a good measure of social support for people who truly deserve the best," the parliamentarian noted.

      Kolomeitsev emphasized that the additional payment could provide significant support for elderly people who do not receive assistance from relatives. Moreover, he stated that such a measure would also have a positive impact on the economy.

      The deputy believes that pensioners will spend the received funds on food and essential goods, which will support consumer demand. Also, in his opinion, the introduction of a 13th pension will allow citizens to feel additional care from the state, as reported by "Izvestia."

      At the same time, the parliamentarian acknowledged that the implementation of the initiative would require additional expenditures from the federal budget. However, in his view, the social effect of such a measure would justify the costs.

      It should be noted that the idea of introducing a 13th pension has been discussed in Russia before. Similar initiatives have been submitted for consideration in the past, but so far, an additional annual payment for all pensioners at the federal level has not been introduced.