Deripaska's radical 72-hour workweek plan for Russia's economy

Russian billionaire pushes 72-hour workweeks to fix economic crisis

Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska has called for drastic economic measures, including a 12-hour, six-day work week for all citizens. His proposal, made on 30 March 2026, aims to speed up what he describes as a 'deep transformation' of the economy rather than a typical crisis.

Deripaska's suggestions come amid rising pressures on Russia's finances, from high interest rates to disruptions in energy exports. But the government has yet to respond to his ideas, and lawmakers have already dismissed changes to working hours.

Speaking on the economic challenges, Deripaska blamed Russia's Central Bank for keeping interest rates too high. He also criticised the 'pointless strengthening of the ruble', arguing that both policies have drained over 16 trillion rubles (around $196.6 billion) from the federal budget. According to him, these conditions have stifled investment and worsened the business climate.

He went further, accusing security forces of dismantling legal institutions, which he said has scared off domestic investors. With global energy prices rising, Deripaska warned of a long economic slowdown that would hit Russia hard. His solution? A radical increase in labour, proposing a daily shift from 8 AM to 8 PM, six days a week, to push through the crisis. Beyond domestic issues, Deripaska raised concerns about the conflict in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran. He stated that escalating tensions there would bring no benefits to Russia. His warnings follow recent Ukrainian drone attacks, which have crippled key Russian energy hubs and threatened up to 40 percent of the country's oil exports. The day after Deripaska's proposal, Jaroslaw Nilow, head of the State Duma's labour committee, made it clear that no discussions on extending work hours were planned. Nilow stressed that any changes would need wide-ranging talks with the government, employers, and trade unions. So far, neither the government nor the Central Bank has commented on Deripaska's broader economic criticisms.

Deripaska's call for a 12-hour workday and his sharp critique of monetary policy have sparked debate but no official action. The State Duma has ruled out immediate changes to labour laws, leaving his proposals in limbo.

Meanwhile, Russia's economic pressures continue, with energy exports under threat and high costs squeezing public finances. The government's silence on Deripaska's warnings suggests no quick shifts in policy are expected.