Russian state development corporation fires chief economist over negative economic forecasts

Andrei Klepach, chief economist at Russia's state development corporation VEB.RF, has lost his position after publicly commenting on the country's economic outlook in negative terms. The dismissal was reported on Sunday by the outlet The Bell, which cited two informed sources.

According to the available information, Klepach's removal was directly tied to his public statements describing Russia's future economic prospects as unfavorable. The source report does not provide further details about the circumstances of his dismissal or his future plans.

VEB.RF is Russia's state development corporation, tasked with supporting the country's economic development and investment projects. The removal of a chief economist at an institution of this scale, apparently linked to publicly expressed skepticism about the economy's future, points to sensitivity in Russia around open discussion of the country's economic difficulties.