Part 6/9:
The economist further dissects key components of the Russian budget, questioning the viability of large allocations such as the purported $150 billion for defense. Bernard dismisses such figures as unrealistic, suggesting they severely underestimate the real costs of maintaining a military and security apparatus. He asserts that the government is more focused on internal security and loyalty than on meeting civilian needs.
The allocation of funds toward essential services, such as education and healthcare, is minimal compared to the significant expenditure on security and surveillance operations. Bernard warns that this mismanagement, alongside the depletion of the Russian National Wealth Fund, leads to a scenario where basic services are unsustainable.