Maybe - hard to know - but wasn't the IMF suggesting/recommending a cut in pensions? Maybe it was one of the options that seemed more attractive to Repše et al.

'Meanwhile, needing to squeeze someone, most emerging-market governments look first to ordinary working folk — at least until the riots grow too large.'

Or are they encouraging civil unrest to pressure the oligarchs?

By the way, regarding the rise in power of the financial industry in the UK, I can recommend 'The Mayfair Set' - you've probably seen it, I imagine.