Apparently, the Prime Minister decided to remind others that the only legitimate means of payment in Russia is the ruble. Bribes given to Russian officials and ministers are found mainly in dollars and euros, and this indicates that many are beginning to forget about their “wooden” currency.
Dmitry Medvedev is not so happy with this state of affairs. In addition, cryptocurrencies are snapping at ruble’s heels, and it is a real threat of losing total control over cash inflows in the country.
After a ridiculous and inconclusive confrontation with Telegram, Russian authorities have decided not to impose a ban on digital money. This time they started to call for consciousness and play on sympathy in the hope that citizens will reciprocate once again. “We are currently preparing two bills related to digital technologies in the financial sphere on the understanding that now and in the future ruble remains the only legal tender”, Medvedev said at a plenary meeting of the 9th St. Petersburg International Legal forum.
Taking a cover behind good intentions, the government wishes to strengthen control. “Transactions in the digital environment are the reality that we can no longer ignore. We need to consolidate the basic provisions in the civil law, translate them into the language of law. Therefore instead of the common slang expressions such as «cryptocurrencies» and «tokens» the lawmakers are developing more legally strict concepts of «digital money», «digital rights» and some others”, Medvedev underlined.
