OREANDA-NEWS  In 2025, Russia has not created any groundwork for economic growth in 2026. Nikolai Arefyev, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, complained about this in an interview with RTVI.

He did not rule out that the country would suffer a recession next year, as last year "left a bad legacy." The parliamentarian admitted that he "never liked" the situation in the economy, which showed almost no growth with six percent inflation. There is no own production of products, and enterprises left without loans due to the high key interest rate take a "time out".

"The closure of enterprises is twice as high as their opening," Arefyev stated.

Among other negative factors, he cited the tightening sanctions and the country's heavy dependence on imported products.

"So far, we have no prospects to get rid of imports," the parliamentarian stressed.

In addition, Russia, according to Arefyev, got off the oil game, but climbed into a new one — raw materials, selling metals, ores and coal. Another needle turned out to be gold, as a "colossal" speculation in gold bars flourished in the country.

"So far, for example, I don't see any prospects for improvement. And the government is not taking any measures yet," Arefyev summed up.