here and now 12/30/1998 (1998)

Video communication with Valentina Matvienko is conducted from the studio of the Government House.

The current problems of the past year and plans for economic and social development for 1999 and beyond are discussed.

Valentina Matvienko informs about the existing arrears in the payment of wages and pensions, about the results of the joint work of the government with the regional leadership on the repayment of debts (pensions, child allowances).

The issue of the need for indexation of salaries and pensions is raised.

Telephone communication with the chairman of the Russian Independent Trade Union of Coal Industry Workers Ivan Mohnachuk.

Question: repayment of debts on GKOs.

The budget of 1999 is discussed: increase of salaries to military, workers of budgetary sphere.

The budget provides for an increase in funding in the education sector.

The problem of the overestimated prices for vitally necessary medicines is considered.

Valentina Matvienko speaks about the priority of the social sphere for the government along with the development of the real sector of the economy (industry and agriculture).