Russian Leader Vladimir Putin has softened planned pension changes following angry protests and a slump in his approval rating.

He said the retirement age for women would be increased from 55 to 60 instead of to 63. But a five-year increase for men, to 65, would stay.


In a rare TV address, Mr Putin said the country's working-age population was shrinking, making change essential.


Unions have warned that many will not live long enough to claim a pension.


Russian men have a life expectancy of 66 while for women it is 77, the World Health Organization says.
The issue has seen support for Mr Putin fall to 64% from 80%, according to VTsIOM state pollster.


Mr Putin said the move to raise the retirement age for men and women had been delayed for years and risked causing inflation and increasing poverty.





Postponing it further would threaten the stability and security of Russian society, he said.


"Any further delay would be irresponsible," he said.


"Our decisions should be just and well-balanced," he added.




BBC      News.