Russia’s State Duma and Federation Council reportedly to cut administrative staff by 15%

Russia’s State Duma and Federation Council plan to reduce staff in their central offices, according to sources cited by RBC. The reported cuts are intended to reduce costs and follow a wider government drive to shrink parts of the civil service.

State Duma staffing is expected to fall by about 15% to 20%, while the Federation Council’s is projected to decline by 10% to 15%; the latter is not planning mass layoffs. Vacant posts are expected to be removed first, with some older employees potentially affected. The measures stem from a decree signed by Vladimir Putin in October 2024, which requires at least a 10% reduction in certain government and court offices and directs the resulting savings towards staff bonuses. Current staffing totals for the two chambers are unknown; the Duma listed 1,482 positions in 2011.