All citizens who have contributed to a fund for at least 20 years are guaranteed a minimum pension.

The difference between the minimum pension and the pension entitlement from the investment fund is paid by government.

Additionally many workers have difficulties to achieve the 20 years of contributions to at least qualify for minimum pension.

"In 1992, it was possible to buy 122 bread rolls a month on a minimum pension," he said.

More specifically, Russia sharply raised prices for natural gas and phone calls but also nearly doubled minimum pensions.

The proposed changes include a minimum pension for the country's poorest citizens.

By 2008, they depended on subsidies to cover minimum monthly pensions.

Three increases to the minimum pension for retirees of the former Bell Atlantic were won in 1999, 2000, and 2001.

At the same time, in a step softening the blow of today's announcements, the Government nearly doubled minimum pensions.

The EU should provide the criteria for the minimum pension.