Putin mentioned Marx, Engels and Lenin in response to the idea of ​​uniform benefits

The issue of uniform benefits across the country is being hampered by the varying levels of income and expenditure in the regions. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this at a meeting with State Duma faction leaders, according to TASS.

"But income varies across the regions," the president noted. He emphasized, however, that uniform benefits are, firstly, something "we would very much like," and, secondly, "we must strive for this." However, Putin added that expenses also vary across regions.

"The cost of living in Moscow is one thing, but in some other region it's quite another. And as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels wrote: different pay for different people doesn't lead to social justice. That's what they wrote, and I think Vladimir Ilyich [Lenin] also wrote about it somewhere," the head of state said.

"Therefore, if someone receives the same salary in Moscow and elsewhere, it means they'll be better off where life is cheaper. Although, of course, today, those who live in Moscow are primarily better off," Putin continued. He concluded that "this is a question that awaits its meticulous research" in the form of deputies.