The Leps scandal: Russia may introduce a luxury tax

State Duma deputy Sergei Mironov called for increasing taxes for the Russian rich and introducing a luxury tax after the words of People's Artist Grigory Leps, who expressed bewilderment at how families with incomes of 200-300 thousand rubles "manage" to feed their children.

"An income of 200-300 thousand rubles, which seems modest to Leps, is a dream for the vast majority of our citizens. Apart from Moscow and the northern regions, the average income in the country is 60 thousand rubles. About 40% of Russians receive less than 45 thousand rubles. At the same time, we have a longer Russian Forbes list every year. The most effective tool to combat inequality is taxes," Mironov said.

Earlier, Grigory Leps apologized for his words about how families with an income of 200-300 thousand rubles "manage" to provide for children.

"I grew up in an ordinary family myself and I know very well how different times are in life," Leps wrote on the social network.

He said that he respects people who work hard to provide for families, raise children and solve difficult life tasks.

As EADaily reported, earlier the singer sympathized with families whose income is 200-300 thousand rubles per month. We are talking about the necessary monthly amount for a comfortable life, upon receipt of which you can not think about money, went into an interview with Emin Agalarov.

"Of course, there is such a sum, but I'm afraid to name it, because people will say now: "He's completely crazy," Leps replied.

Agalarov offered another characteristic — "fucked up."

"There are families, and the majority of them in our country, and not only in our country, where family income ranges from 200 to 300 thousand rubles. They manage to feed two children, dress, shoe themselves, children, send them to school," Leps said.