Inflation in Russia in 2016 will be lower than the official government forecast of 5.8 percent and will end up in the range of 5.5 percent, the country’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said in an interview for Russian television on December 15, 2016.

“Inflation for this year was expected to stand at 5.8 percent. But I actually think – we spoke on this topic with the Economic Development Ministry yesterday – that it will be about 5.5 percent,” he stated.

Mr. Medvedev ruled out the introduction of progressive income tax rates in the foreseeable future.

“Of course, I cannot rule out the state’s returning to a discussion of this issue at some point. But at present the issue of changing the income tax on individuals – that is, the personal income tax – is not on the agenda,” Mr. Medvedev said.

He also noted that the firing of the former Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev after he lost the President’s trust and confidence does not mean Mr. Ulyukayev was found guilty of the crimes he has been accused of.

“The President made the decision to relieve the former Minister from his post due to a loss of trust. I emphasize that this is not a court ruling. This is simply the loss of trust in a high-ranking official. I have also made such decisions in my time. They do not mean a person is guilty,” Mr. Medvedev said.

Asked whether Mr. Ulyukayev’s dismissal meant that the evidence against him was very serious, Mr. Medvedev said, “I believe that only the investigative bodies can comment [on that issue]. They are evaluating the evidence. I will refrain from comment here.”

Until a court issues its verdict – guilty or not guilty – no one can speak about Mr. Ulyukayev’s guilt.

Mr. Medvedev reiterated that the situation surrounding Mr. Ulyukayev is an “utterly regretful event.”

“This is an event that is truly beyond my comprehension of what may happen with a Minister. This is an official of the highest rank in the hierarchy of executive authority,” he said.

Asked as to why Mr. Ulyukayev has already been replaced, despite the absence of a guilty ruling against him, Mr. Medvedev said that the executive authorities cannot function in a vacuum.

The Prime Minister also observed that the battle against corruption was intensifying in recent times.

“Since 2012, the investigative bodies have sent 50,000 criminal corruption cases to court. Of the total, approximately 3,500 are the so-called special subjects; that is, they relate to individuals occupying various government posts. Over 1,000 of them are citizens serving as mayors, or the heads of municipal entities. Another 1,300 were elected officials at various levels of government,” he said.

Mr. Medvedev emphasized that all cases filed against former government employees, including those serving as governors, must be seen through to their conclusion.