New Russia Barometer XVI (December, 2007)
A. THE ECONOMY
A1. Do you think that events in our country are today moving generally in
the right direction or that our country is on the wrong track?
1 Right direction
2 Wrong track
9 [DON’T READ] Don’t know
A2. As for your own household, how do you rate its economic situation today?
1 Very satisfactory
2 Fairly satisfactory
3 Fairly unsatisfactory
4 Very unsatisfactory
9 [DON’T READ] Don’t know
A3. 2007 is coming to an end. Would you say that for Russia it was, by comparison
with 2006, harder, easier or the same as the previous year?
1 Harder than last year
2 Easier than last year
3 Same as last year
A4. And what was it like for you and your family: harder, easier or the same
as the previous year?
1 Harder than last year
2 Easier than last year
3 Same as last year
A5. On the whole, how would you assess the year 2007: a very good year, a
good year, an average, bad or very bad year?
1 Very good
2 Good
3 Average
4 Bad
5 Very bad
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
A6. On the whole was 2007 a successful or unsuccessful year for you personally?
1 Successful
2 Unsuccessful
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
A7. Who would you say was the Man of the Year for 2007? Name four or five
people from Russia, other former Soviet republics or abroad. (Prompt): Anyone
else? (open list, all answers recorded)
Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Zhirinovsky
Gennady Zyuganov
Dmitrii Medvedev
Sergei Ivanov
Other
Respondent/relatives/friends
Don’t know/no one/no answer
A 8. Who would you say was the Woman of the Year for 2007? (Prompt): Anyone
else?
(open list, all answers recorded)
Valentina Matvienko
Yulia Timoshenko
Alla Pugacheva
Irina Khakamada
Sofia Rotaru
Tatyana Golikova
Ksenya Sobchak
Liudmila Putina
Others
Respondent/relatives/friends
Don’t know/no one/no answer
A9. Which of the events of 2007 do you consider the most important? (Show
card; no more than five answers)
(percent naming
1 Dispute over gas prices and deliveries to Europe involving Russia and Belarus
2 Dispute over the arrest of the Russian oligarch Prokhorov in the French
resort of Courchevel
3 Putin's speech in Munich with sever criticism of the policies of the US
and NATO countries towards Russia
4 Appointment of A. Serdyukov as Russian Defence Minister
5 Russia won its bid to hold the Winter Olympics of 2014 in Sochi
6 March elections to regional legislatures in many regions of Russia
7 Start of the installation of elements of the American missile-defence system
in Poland and the Czech Republic
8 The death of Boris Yeltsin
9 The dispute over the moving of the monument to the unknown soldier and reburial
of Soviet soldiers in Estonia
10 Demonstrations and pickets by the Nashi and Young Guard movements outside
the Estonian embassy
11 Vladimir Putin's speech to the Federal Assembly and promises of massive
investments in new technology and the social sphere
12 "Marches of those who disagree" by the "Other Russia"
movement, their bans and dispersal by the authorities
13 The Nevsky Express train being blown up
14 Mining accidents in various regions of Russia
15 The expedition of the "Mir" deep-water submarine to the bottom
of the Arctic Ocean
16 Presidential elections in France
17 The publication of the latest Harry Potter book "Harry Potter and
the Gifts of Death"
18 Disputes over the arrest of General Bul'bov of the State Narcotics Control,
who was involved in investigations of corruption by high-ranked FSB agents
19 The resignation of the cabinet of Mikhail Fradkov and the appointment of
Viktor Zubkov as prime minister of Russia
20 Early elections to the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) of Ukraine, and the
victory of the "Orange Coalition"
21 The golden Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for the male lead in
the film The Banishment by A. Zvyagintsev, the Golden Lion of the Venice Film
Festival won by Nikita Mikhalkov's film "Twelve"
22 Putin's announcement of his decision to head the party list of United Russia
23 Constant terrorist attacks in Ingushetia and other republics of the North
Caucasus
24 Price rises for food in September and October
25 The explosion in a city bus in Tolyatti
26 Russia's winning a place in the final of the Euro 2008 Championship
27 Mass disturbances in Georgia, protesting against President Saakashvili
28 The "Russian March" of 4 November
29 The foundering of ships in the Kerchen Strait
30 Russia's moratorium on participation in the Conventional Armed Forces in
Europe (CFE) Treaty
31 Elections to the Russian Duma on 2 December
32 Other
33 Don't know
10. What do you expect the next year, 2008, to be like?
1 Very good
2 Good
3 Average
4 Bad
5 Very bad
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
11. Do you approve of the performance of :
a) Vladimir Putin as President of Russia
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
8 No answer
b) Viktor Zubkov as Premier of the Russian government
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
8 No answer
c) Dmitry Medvedev as First Deputy Prime Minister, responsible for the National
Projects
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
8 No answer
d) Sergei Ivanov as First Deputy Prime Minister, responsible for science,
industry, transport, communications as well as the military-industrial complex
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
8 No answer
e) The Government of Russia as a whole
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
8 No answer
f) Sergei Stepashin as Chair of the Accounting Chamber
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
8 No answer
g) The Governor of your oblast (President of Republic, in Moscow, Mayor)
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
8 No answer
12. Who would you say is the real "boss" of your city or district?
(Show card; several answers possible)
(percent naming)
1 Governor of oblast/ President of Autonomous Republic
2 Russian President's representative in the region
3 Local authorities (municipality, mayor's office, prefecture)
4 Leaders of the largest enterprises
5 New commercial structures
6 Underground figures, mafia
7 Other
8 There's no real boss in our town/district
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
13. Do you understand in what direction our country is heading, what goals
have been set by our current leaders?
1 Yes, quite clearly
2 Vaguely
3 No idea
4 Things in our country have been allowed to drift
9 [DON’T READ] Don’t know
14. Do you think that the present authorities will be able in the near future
to make any improvement in the situation of the country?
1 Yes, definitely
2 Yes, probably
3 Maybe
4 Probably not
5 Definitely not
9 [DON’T READ] Don’t know
C3. How widespread do you think bribe-taking and corruption are?
1 Very few public officials are corrupt
2 Less than half are corrupt
3 Most public officials are engaged in it
4 Almost all public officials are engaged
9 [DON’T READ] Don’t know
C3a. In the past two years have you or anyone in your household had to pay
a bribe to get a public official to do something?
1 Yes
2 No
3 Haven’t had any contacts
9 [DON’T READ] No answer
B2. How interested are you in politics?
1 Very interested
2 Somewhat interested
3 Not very interested
4 Not at all interested
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
17. Name the five or six politicians whom you most trust. [Don’t read
out list; several answers possible; in Russian alphabetical order]
18. Which politicians’ speeches have you attracted your attention most
in recent days?[Don’t read out list; several answers possible; in Russian
alphabetical order]
19. Name the five or six politicians whom you most DISTRUST [Don’t read
out list; several answers possible; in Russian alphabetical order]
1 Roman Abramovich
2 Aleksandr Babakov
3 Sergei Baburin
4 Nikita Belykh
5 Boris Berezovsky
6 Yegor Gaidar
7 Sergei Glazyev
8 German Gref
9 Tatyana Golikova
10 Mikhail Gorbachev
11 Boris Gryzlov
12 Vladimir Zhirinovsky
13 Aleksandr Zhukov
14 Viktor Zubkov
15 Mikhail Zurabov
16 Gennady Zyuganov
17 Sergei Ivanov
18 Garry Kasparov
19 Mikhail Kasyanov
20 Sergei Kirienko
21 Aleksei Kudrin
22 Sergei Lavrov
23 Vladimir Lukin
24 Yury Luzhkov
25 Aleksandr Lukashenka
26 Valentina Matvienko
27 Dmitry Medvedev
28 Sergei Mironov
29 Oleg Mitvol'
30 El'vira Nabiullina
31 Sergei Naryshkin
32 Boris Nemtsov
33 Gennady Onishchenko
34 Ella Pamfilova
35 Evgeny Primakov
36 Vladimir Putin
37 Dmitry Rogozin
38 Vladimir Ryzhkov
39 Gennady Semigin
40 Anatoly Serdyukov
41 Lyubov’ Sliska
42 Sergei Stepashin
43 Vyacheslav Surkov
44 Aman Tuleev
45 Mikhail Fradkov
46 Irina Khakamada
47 Mikhail Khodorkovsky
48 Nikolai Kharitonov
49 Yuri Chaika
50 Anatoly Chubais
51 Mintimer Shaimiev
52 Sergei Shoigu
53 Grigory Yavlinsky
54 Vasily Yakemenko
55 Other
56 No one
57 Not interested in politics
58 Don't know
B11. Which broad political outlook are you most inclined to favour? (Show
card: Only one choice)
1 Pro-market,
2 Social democratic
3 Communist
4 Great power patriot
5 Environmentalist, green
6 Other
7 None
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
E7. Do you think having regular elections makes politicians do what people
want?
1 To a large extent
2 To some extent
3 Not very much
4 Not at all
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
B4e. Elections should really give people a choice about who governs
1 Strongly agree
2 Somewhat agree
3 Somewhat disagree
4 Strongly disagree
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
24. Did you take part in the Duma election on 2 December?
1 Yes [GO TO QUESTION 26a]
2 No
25a. Why didn’t you vote in the election to the State Duma? [Several
answers possible]
1 Tired of politics, struggles at the top
2 Don't trust any of the present politicians
3 None of the parties expresses my interests
4 I was disappointed in a party which I used to support
5 My party wouldn’t have had a chance of winning anyway
6 My participation and voting didn’t affect the result of the election
7 Thought that elections will not be honest and results will be falsified
8 Hadn't chosen anyone to vote for
9 Not interested in politics
10 I never vote
11 Duma has no real influence
12 Duma is useless and doesn't do any good, just makes scandals
13 The polling station was far away from where I live
14 Couldn't reach the polling station (was sick, away etc.)
15 I don’t have the right to vote
16 Other
17 [DON'T READ] Don't know
25b. When did you decide not to vote in these elections?
1 Long before the start of the election campaign
2 In the summer
3 Between mid-September and mid-October
4 Between mid-October and mid-November
5 In the last two weeks before the election
6 In the week before the election
7 On the day of the election
8 Only in the polling station
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
Q. 26a-29 ASKED ONLY FOR THOSE WHO VOTED
26a. Did you vote in your constituency on the day of the election, or did
you vote early, using an absentee ballot or home ballot, or did relations
vote for you using your passport?
1 In my constituency on election day
2 Voted early
3 Using an absentee ballot
4 Using a home ballot
5 Relations voted using my passport
6 Other (in hospital etc.)
26b. At what time did you vote?
1 Before 10:00
2 From 10:00 to 12:00
3 From 12:00 to 14:00
4 From 14:00 to 16:00
5 From 16:00 to 18:00
6 From 18:00 to 20:00
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
27. Which party did you vote for in the State Duma, or did you vote spoil
your ballot? [Show card; parties as listed on the ballot; one answer]
1 Agrarian Party of Russia (Plotnikov-Brusnikov-Shandybin)
2 Civic Strength (Barshchevsky-Ryavkin-Pokhmelkin)
3 Democratic Party of Russia (Bogdanov-Smirnov-Gimazov)
4 Communist Party of the Russian Federation (Zyuganov-Alferov-Kharitonov)
5 Union of Right Forces (Belykh-Nemtsov-Chudakova)
6 Party of Social Fairness (Podberezkin-Leskov-Vorotnikov)
7 Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (Zhirinovsky-Lugovoi-Lebedev)
8 Fair Russia (Mironov-Goryacheva)
9 Patriots of Russia (Semigin-Seleznev-Makhovikov)
10 United Russia (Putin)
11 Yabloko (Yavlinsky-Kovalev-Ivanenko)
12 Voted for Putin
13 Spoiled ballot [GO TO QUESTION 29]
14 [DON'T READ] Don't remember/No answer
27a. (Only for those who voted for United Russia) Did you vote for United
Russia because you liked the party or because Vladimir Putin headed its list?
1 Because I liked the party
2 Because Vladimir Putin headed its list
9 [DON'T READ] Don't remember/No answer
27b. (Only for those who voted "for Putin") For which party did
you vote? 1 For United Russia
2 Other (specify)
9 [DON'T READ] Don't remember/No answer
28a. What explains your decision to vote for this party?'
(percent mentioned)
1 I support the programme and slogans of this party
2 New, active, young leaders of this party
3 I have liked this party's leader (or leaders) for a long time
4 I have been a supporter of this party for a long time
5 My friends and relations support this party
6 It’s the strongest party, supported by the majority
7 Putin supports this party
8 The authorities of our oblast supports this party
9 It's a new party, with new people in charge
10 It can defend the interests of people like myself
11 It tries to restore Russia’s greatness
12 It can provide a normal, decent life in our country
13 It has a future
14 It’s the party of the new generation/of our children and grandchildren
15 I know something about this party, but nothing about other parties
16 Other
17 Don't know
28b. To what extent do you support the programme and slogans of this party?
1 Fully and unconditionally support
2 Mainly, but with some caveats
3 Not quite, but it’s better than others
4 Don’t know much about the party’s programme
5 [DON'T READ] Don’t know anything about the party’s programme
9 [DON'T READ] Don’t know
29. When did you decide that you will vote for this party?
1 Long before the start of the election campaign
2 In the summer
3 Between mid-September and mid-October
4 Between mid-October and mid-November
5 In the last two weeks before the election
6 In the week before the election
7 On the day of the election
8 Only in the polling station
9 [DON'T READ] Don’t know
[ASK ALL]
30. Can you name another party which you had thought about voting for?[Show
card; one answer]
1 Agrarian Party of Russia (Plotnikov-Brusnikov-Shandybin)
2 Civic Strength (Barshchevsky-Ryavkin-Pokhmelkin)
3 Democratic Party of Russia (Bogdanov-Smirnov-Gimazov)
4 Communist Party of the Russian Federation (Zyuganov-Alferov-Kharitonov)
5 Union of Right Forces (Belykh-Nemtsov-Chudakova)
6 Party of Social Fairness (Podberezkin-Leskov-Vorotnikov)
7 Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (Zhirinovsky-Lugovoi-Lebedev)
8 Fair Russia (Mironov-Goryacheva)
9 Patriots of Russia (Semigin-Seleznev-Makhovikov)
10 United Russia (Putin)
11 Yabloko (Yavlinsky-Kovalev-Ivanenko)
12 Other party
13 No such party/I always intended to vote as I did
14 Don't know
31. Who (or what) was the deciding influence on your vote for the party/bloc
which you voted for (or on your decision NOT to participate in the election).
Give up to 3 answers. [Show card]
1 Family
2 Friends or acquaintances
3 Advice from authoritative people
4 TV, newspapers, radio
5 Published ratings of parties and blocs
6 Speeches by leaders of parties and blocs
7 TV debates of leaders of parties and blocs
8 Personal support for parties by Vladimir Putin
9 Pre-electoral campaigning by parties and blocs
10 General circumstances surrounding the election
11 Disappointment in another party or bloc
12 Have known this party for a long time/ always vote for it
13 I don’t like this party much, but it took votes away from those I
like even less
14 Other
15 [DON'T READ] Don’t know
32. How would you assess the work of television, newspapers and radio during
the election campaign? [Show card; one answer]
1 They attracted my attention to the Duma elections
2 They clarified the pre-electoral situation for me
3 They changed my intentions about participating in the ballot and/or my intention
to vote for a particular party
4 They just confused me, hindered making a definite decision
5 They didn’t influence me in any way
6 I don’t pay attention to such programmes or articles, because I don’t
trust TV, newspapers and radio on principle
7 I don’t pay attention to such programmes or articles because I’m
not interested in politics
8 Other
9 Don’t know
33a. Did you see any pre-election debates by party leaders?
1 Yes
2 No (GO TO QUESTION 38c)
9 [Don't READ] Don’t know (GO TO QUESTION 38c)
33b. Which politicians’ speeches during the pre-election debates caught
your attention most? [WRITE IN UP TO SIX ANSWERS]
[ASK ALL]
33c. To what extent did pre-election debates by party leaders influence your
vote?
1 A great deal
2 Quite a lot
3 Not much
4 Very little
5 None at all
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
22. Which parties' pre-election TV advertisements stuck in your mind the most
(Show card; several answers possible)
23. Which party leaders' speeches in the pre-election TV debates did you like
the most? (Show card; several answers possible)
24. Which parties were most active in pre-election advertising in the last
week before the election? (Show card; several answers possible)
1 Agrarian Party of Russia (Plotnikov-Brusnikov-Shandybin)
2 Civic Strength (Barshchevsky-Ryavkin-Pokhmelkin)
3 Democratic Party of Russia (Bogdanov-Smirnov-Gimazov)
4 Communist Party of the Russian Federation (Zyuganov-Alferov-Kharitonov)
5 Union of Right Forces (Belykh-Nemtsov-Chudakova)
6 Party of Social Fairness (Podberezkin-Leskov-Vorotnikov)
7 Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (Zhirinovsky-Lugovoi-Lebedev)
8 Fair Russia (Mironov-Goryacheva)
9 Patriots of Russia (Semigin-Seleznev-Makhovikov)
10 United Russia (Putin)
11 Yabloko (Yavlinsky-Kovalev-Ivanenko)
12 [DON'T READ] No such parties
13 Don't know
34d. Do you think that all parties had an equal opportunity to campaign, or
some of them had advantages over others? If you think that certain parties
had advantages, which parties were they?
34e. Which parties do you think were subject to the most administrative pressure
and "dirty tricks"?
1 Agrarian Party of Russia (Plotnikov-Brusnikov-Shandybin)
2 Civic Strength (Barshchevsky-Ryavkin-Pokhmelkin)
3 Democratic Party of Russia (Bogdanov-Smirnov-Gimazov)
4 Communist Party of the Russian Federation (Zyuganov-Alferov-Kharitonov)
5 Union of Right Forces (Belykh-Nemtsov-Chudakova)
6 Party of Social Fairness (Podberezkin-Leskov-Vorotnikov)
7 Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (Zhirinovsky-Lugovoi-Lebedev)
8 Fair Russia (Mironov-Goryacheva)
9 Patriots of Russia (Semigin-Seleznev-Makhovikov)
10 United Russia (Putin)
11 Yabloko (Yavlinsky-Kovalev-Ivanenko)
12 [DON'T READ] No such parties
13 Don't know
B9. Would you say that the recent election of the Duma on 2 December 2007
was conducted fairly or not?
1 It was a fair election
2 To some extent fair
3 Not very fair
4 Not at all fair
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
36a. Did you notice any pressure to take part in the election and support
a certain party or candidate, and if yes, from whom?
(Percent naming)
1 From the local authorities
2 From bosses at work
3 From people around me, work mates
4 Didn't notice anything of the kind
5 [DON'T READ] Don't know
37. ON THE DAY OF THE ELECTION, did you see any of the following?
(Percent saying yes)
1 Party placards
2 Speeches by supporters of one or another party
3 You were visited by those working for some party
4 People visited you at home with a mobile ballot box, although no one asked
for it
5 There was a long queue at the polling station
6 People left the polling station without voting because of the queue
7 There were not enough ballots at the polling station
8 There were a lot of mistakes in the electoral rolls, missing names etc.
9 Election commission members advised people how to vote
10 At the polling station, one person could vote for their whole family
11 At the polling station, there were observers from political parties
12 Observers were allowed into the polling station
13 Exit polls were being done as people left booths or the polling station
14 Other (specify)
15 Never saw anything of the kind
38. Do you think now that your decision to vote and your choice of party was
a carefully considered decision or one made under the influence of some burst
of emotion?
1 Carefully considered
2 Somewhat considered
3 Probably emotional
4 Definitely emotional
9 [DON'T READ] DON'T KNOW
39. Do you think the announced results of the Duma election on 2 December
correspond to reality or were falsified?
1 Correspond to reality
2 Falsified
9 [DON'T READ] DON'T KNOW
40. Are you satisfied on the whole with the results of the Duma election?
1 Fully satisfied
2 More satisfied than dissatisfied
3 More dissatisfied than satisfied
4 Not at all satisfied
9 [DON'T READ] DON'T KNOW
41a. Do you think that Yabloko, Union of Right Forces and other democratic
groups should agree to nominate a single candidate for president in March
2008, or do you think that they should each nominate a candidate, or do you
think they should refrain from nominating candidates?
1 Nominate a single candidate
2 Each nominate their own candidate
3 Refrain from nominating candidates (RRNB: in error, Russian text has printed
"and call on people to vote for Putin")
9 [DON'T READ] DON'T KNOW
41b. Do you think that Yabloko, Union of Right Fores and other democratic
groups can agree on a single candidate for president in March 2008?
1 Definitely yes
2 Probably yes
3 Probably not
4 Definitely not
9 [DON'T READ] DON'T KNOW
41c. Who would you like to see as the single candidate from democratic forces
in the elections for president of Russia in March 2008?
1 Mikhail Barshchevsky
2 Vladimir Bukovsky
3 Viktor Geraschenko
4 Garry Kasparov
5 Mikhail Kasyanov
6 Boris Nemtsov
7 Vladimir Ryzhkov
8 Irina Khakamada
9 Grigory Yavlinsky
10 [DON'T READ] Another
11 [DON'T READ] None of them
12 [DON'T READ] Don't know
42. If presidential elections took place next Sunday, which of the following
statements would most accurately reflect your intention to vote in these elections?
1 Sure that I won't vote
2 Doubt that I will vote
3 Don’t know if I’ll vote or not
4 I probably will vote (GO TO QUESTION 44)
5 I definitely will vote (GO TO QUESTION 44)
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
43. Why don't you intend to vote in the elections for the president of Russia,
or why do you doubt you will vote? [Several answers possible]
1 Tired of politics, struggles at the top
2 Don't trust any of the present politicians
3 None of the possible candidates expresses my interests
4 I was disappointed in a candidate which I used to support
5 My candidate wouldn’t have a chance of winning anyway
6 Putin won't be standing in the election
7 Whoever Putin names will win anyway
8 My participation will affect nothing
9 Elections will not be honest and results will be falsified
10 Haven't chosen anyone to vote for
11 Not interested in politics
12 I never vote
13 The polling station is far away from where I live
14 I don’t have the right to vote
15 Other
16 [DON'T READ] Don't know
[ASK ALL]
44. If a presidential election was held next Sunday, would you vote and if
so, which of the current politicains would you vote for? (Write one name)
96 Don't know who I'd vote for
98 Wouldn't vote
99 Don't know if I'd vote or not
45. In the 2008 presidential elections, in which according to the constituion,
Putin cannot take part, would you vote for a candidate proposed by Putin or
would you vote on principle for another candidate?
1 For candidate supported by Putin
2 On principle for another candidate
3 [DON'T READ] Depends on circumstances
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
President Putin announced his endorsement of Dmitry Medvedev as the United
Russia candidate on Monday 10th December 2007, the second last day of the
NRB survey. Only 85 interviews were done on the 10th and 11th of December.
46. If a presidential election was held next Sunday, which candidate would
you be most likely to vote for?
1 Vladimir Zhirinovsky
2 Viktor Zubkov
3 Gennady Zyuganov
4 Mikhail Kasyanov
5 Sergei Ivanov
6 Dmitry Medvedev
7 Boris Nemtsov
8 Grigory Yavlinsky
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know for whom I'd vote (GO TO QUESTION 47e)
10 [DON'T READ] Wouldn't vote (GO TO QUESTION 47e)
11 [DON'T READ] Don't know whether I'd vote (GO TO QUESTION 47e)
[ONLY FOR THOSE WHO CHOSE A CANDIDATE]
47a. Why do you intend to vote in the presidential election for [name preferred
candidate]? Any other reasons? (Don't read; note all reasons the respondent
gives)
1 Stands for fast economic reforms and against state interference in the economy
2 Stands for restoring the system of social protection for workers and pesnioners,
which existed in the pre-perestroika years
3 Represents the political party/bloc which I support
4 Stands for fair redistribution of wealth in the country, reducing the income
of the "super rich"
5 Defends the interests of ethnic Russians
6 Resists the spreading influence and domination of the West
7 The candidate opposs the growth of authoritarianism, dares to criticize
Putin
8 Personal qualities (frankness, honesty, etc.)
9 Supports strengthening the role of the state in the economy
10 Can ensure order in the country better than others
11 Can solve the problem of Chechnya better than others
12 Can deal with terrorism better than others
13 There is no one else/no one better etc.
14 Because the candidate is in the opposition
15 Close to/Liked by Putin
16 Other (specify)
17 [DON'T READ] Don't know
47b. How sure are you that you will vote specifically for this candidate?
1 Completely sure
2 Pretty sure, unless something extreme happens
3 Not quite sure
4 Not at all sure
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
47c. What do you think are the chances of the candidate for whom you intend
to vote?
1 Will probably become President
2 Will probably get into the second round
3 Has a chance to get into the second round
4 Unlikely to get into the second round
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
47d. What if your choice wasn't in the ballot. Who else on the list would
you vote for, or wouldn't you vote?
1 Vladimir Zhirinovsky
2 Viktor Zubkov
3 Gennady Zyuganov
4 Mikhail Kasyanov
5 Sergei Ivanov
6 Dmitry Medvedev
7 Boris Nemtsov
8 Grigory Yavlinsky
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know for whom I'd vote
10 [DON'T READ] Wouldn't vote
11 [DON'T READ] Don't know whether I'd vote
[ASK ALL]
47e. And which of these candidates would you never in any circumstances vote
for President of Russia (Show card; more than one answer possible)
1 Vladimir Zhirinovsky
2 Viktor Zubkov
3 Gennady Zyuganov
4 Mikhail Kasyanov
5 Sergei Ivanov
6 Dmitry Medvedev
7 Boris Nemtsov
8 Grigory Yavlinsky
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
10 [DON'T READ] No such candidates
11 [DON'T READ] Don't know whether I'd vote
48. According to the law, if none of the candidates wins 50% of the votes,
a second round is held in which the two candidates with the most votes take
part. For which of these candidates you would vote in a second round presidential
election if it were between...
a. Sergei Ivanov and Dmitry Medvedev (Choose one)
1 Sergei Ivanov
2 Dmitry Medvedev
3 [DON'T READ] For neither
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
b. Viktor Zubkov and Sergei Ivanov
1 Viktor Zubkov
2 Sergei Ivanov
3 [DON'T READ] For neither
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
c. Viktor Zubkov and Dmitry Medvedev
1 Viktor Zubkov
2 Dmitry Medvedev
3 [DON'T READ] For neither
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
49. Who in your opinion will become President of Russia in 2008? (Show card;
one answer)
1 Viktor Zubkov
2 Sergei Ivanov
3 Dmitry Medvedev
4 Vladimir Putin
5 Another well-known politician
6 Some new, still unknown person
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
50. People give different assesments of Putin's performance as President of
Russia. Which of these views is closest to your own?
1 Fully share Putin's views and positions
2 Support Putin as long as he carries out democratic and market reforms
3 Used to like Putin, but now disappointed by him
4 Never liked Putin, but hope he'll be good for Russia
5 Support Putin because there are no other worthy politicians
6 Don't support Putin
7 Would support anybody but Putin
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
51a. What do you think has been happening in recent months in Chechnya?'
1 Military action continues
2 Peaceful life is being established
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
51b. Do you consider that it is necessary to continue military action in Chechnya
or begin peaceful negotiations with Chechen fighters?
1 Continue military action
2 Enter negotiations
3 [DON'T READ] There is no such military action
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
52a. How would you assess the situation in the North Caucasus on the whole?
1 Favourable
2 Quiet
3 Tense
4 Critical, explosive
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
52b. Do you think the situation in the North Caucasus will in the next year…?
1 Will improve
2 Will get worse
3 Will remain the same
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
A1. Here Is a scale ranking how well an economy works. The top, plus 100,
is the best and the bottom, minus 100, is the worst. Where on this scale would
you put: a. The economic system before perestroika?
100 The best
-100 Worst possible
999 [DON'T READ] Don't know
A1b. b. Our current economic system
100 The best
-100 Worst possible
999 [DON'T READ] Don't know
A1c. c. Our economic system in five years
100 The best
-100 Worst possible
999 [DON'T READ] Don't know
55a. Do you think the economic reforms which have been going on in this country
since 1992 have brought Russia more good or more harm?
1 More good
2 More harm
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
55b. Taking into account all the consequences of market reforms since 1992,
do you think you and your family have personally won or lost from the changes
in this country?
1 Won
2 Lost
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
56. Do you approve or disapprove of private individuals in our country owning?...
a. Small enterprises, cafes, shops
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
b. Large enterprises, factories
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
c. Small plots of land
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
d. Large plots of land
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
57. Do you approve or disapprove of foreigners in our country owning?...
a. Small enterprises, cafes, shops
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
b. Large enterprises, factories
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
c. Small plots of land
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
d. Large plots of land
1 Approve
2 Disapprove
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
58. What form of transferring land to citizens for individual use do you consider
to be the most appropriate?
1 Long-term lease from the state, with the right to transfer land by inheritance
2 Private property with the right to inherit and to sell to anyone who can
buy it
3 Private property with the right of inheritance and sale, but only to citizens
of this country
4 Land should not be given to individual use at all
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
59. Do you think that people such as yourself have opportunities to improve
your income?
1 Yes
2 Probably
3 Probably not
4 No
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
60. Do you think the gap in incomes between rich and poor is now…?
1 Less than it should be
2 As it should be
3 Wide, but acceptable
4 Excessively wide
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
61. Do you think the state should establish an upper limit for personal incomes?
1 The state should never establish an upper limit for incomes
2 The state should limit incomes only enough to prevent the appearance of
millionnaires
3 The state should ensure that the incomes of the rich are no more than three
or four times those of the poor
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
62. With which of these proposals for control of prices by the state would
you agree most…?
1 The state should establish firm prices controls for most goods and services,
no matter by whom they are produced
2 The state should establish firm prices controls for a small number of necessary
goods and services
3 The state should in general interfere as little as possible in the formation
of prices for goods and services
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
63. There are different views about Russia's transition to a market economy.
With which of the three statements below would you most agree…?
1 We should complete the transition to a market economy as quickly as possible
2 We should continue market reforms, but do it gradually
3 Russia does not need market reforms, they should be stopped
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
64. What do you think is the main obstacle on the road of economic reforms?
Give no more than three answers (Show card).
(percent mentioned)
1 I do not see any special obstacles
2 People themselves; they have forgotten how to work
3 Not enough people with initiative, enterprising people
4 Lack of an interest in transition to the market for many people, they cannot
see anything in it for them
5 Resistance by officials, the bureaucracy
6 Weakness of the authorities
7 Non-implementation in the localities of adopted laws and decrees
8 Absence of a coherent programme for implementing reform
9 Conflicts between the centre and the regions
10 Economic incompetence of those now in power
11 [DON'T READ] Other
12 [DON'T READ] Don't know
B3. Here is a scale for ranking how our system of government works. The top,
plus 100, is the best; the bottom, minus 100, the worst. B3a. Where on this
scale would you put:
a. the former political system that we had before the start of perestroika?
100 The best
-100 Worst possible
999 [DON'T READ] Don't know
B3b. b. our current system of governing?
100 The best
-100 Worst possible
999 [DON'T READ] Don't know
B3c. c. our system of governing five years in the future?
100 The best
-100 Worst possible
999 [DON'T READ] Don't know
65. Do you think Russia needs democracy or not?
1 Yes, Russia needs democracy
2 No, democratic government is not for Russia
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
66. What kind of democracy does Russia need?
1 Like in developed countries of Europe, America
2 Like in the Soviet Union
3 A unique type, corresponding to national traditions and Russian specifics
4 [DON'T READ] Russia doesn't need democracy
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
E6. Here is a scale ranging from a low of 1 to a high 10: 1 means complete
dictatorship and 10 means complete democracy. (SHOW CARD) a. Where would you
like our political system to be?
1 Complete dictatorship
10 Complete democracy
99 Don't know
b. Where would you place our country at the present time?
1 Complete dictatorship
10 Complete democracy
99 Don't know
E3. To what extent do you trust each of the following institutions to look
after your interests? Please indicate on a scale with 1 for no trust at all
and 7 great trust.
a. Political parties
1 No trust
7 Complete trust
9 Don't know
b. Army
1 No trust
7 Complete trust
9 Don't know
c. Parliament
1 No trust
7 Complete trust
9 Don't know
B4. Our present system of government is not the only one that this country
has had. Some people say that we would be better off if the country was governed
differently. What do you think? B4a. We should return to Communist rule
1 Strongly agree
2 Somewhat agree
3 Somewhat agree
4 Strongly disagree
9 Don't know
B4b. A tough dictatorship is best in our current situation
1 Strongly agree
2 Somewhat agree
3 Somewhat agree
4 Strongly disagree
9 Don't know
B4d. The army should govern the country
1 Strongly agree
2 Somewhat agree
3 Somewhat agree
4 Strongly disagree
9 Don't know
E4. Some people think this country would be better governed if parliament
were closed down and all parties were abolished. How likely do you think this
is to happen in the next few years?
1 Very likely
2 Maybe
3 Not very likely
4 Not at all likely
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
E5. If Parliament was closed down and parties abolished, would you:
1 Definitely approve
2 Somewhat approve
3 Somewhat disapprove
4 Definitely disapprove
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
72. Which of the following approaches to the problem of human rights do you
think is right?
1 The interests of the state should come before the rights of the individual
2 For the sake of the state's interests, one can agree with violations of
the rights of particular individuals in certain cases
3 People have the right to fight for their rights, even if it goes against
the interests of the state
4 The rights of the individual should come before those of the state
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
B6. Compared to our system of government before perestroika, would you say
our current system is better, much the same, or worse than the old system
in terms of whether:....?
Everybody has a right to say what they think
1 Much better
2 Somewhat better
3 Much the same
4 Somewhat worse
5 Much worse
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
B7. Under our present system of government do you think people like yourself
are treated equally and fairly by government?
1 Definitely agree
2 Somewhat agree
3 Disagree somewhat
4 Definitely disagree
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
B8. B8. Under our present system of government how much influence do you think
people like yourself can have on government?
1 A lot of influence
2 Some influence
3 Not much influence
4 No influence
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
D2. How proud are you of being a citizen of this country?
1 Very proud
2 Somewhat proud
3 Not very proud
4 Not at all proud
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
77a. Do you think people should have the right to express publicly their dissatisfaction
with the current authorities?
1 Definitely yes
2 Probably yes
3 Probably no
4 Definitely no
5 [DON'T READ] Don't know
77b. Do you agree with those who say that the current opposition forces in
Russia for the most part exist on money provided from abroad and follow the
instructions of foreign political technologists?
1 Definitely yes
2 Probably yes
3 Probably no
4 Definitely no
5 [DON'T READ] Don't know
78. Do you think that Russia is really threatened by many external and internal
enemies, or is the talk about enemies just in order to frighten the public
and make it an obedient puppet of the authorities?
1 Russia is really threatened by many internal and external enemies
2 The talk about enemies is to fighten the public and make it an obeident
puppet
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
79. Have you heard of the "marches of those who disagree" organized
in recent months under the slogan "For honest elections" with the
participation of Yabloko, Mikhail Kasyanov's Popular Democratic Union, Eduard
Limonov's National Bolshevik Party, the Union of Right Forces and other political
organizations?
if so, what impression did these marches make on you?
1 Positive on the whole
2 Negative on the whole
3 No impression at all
4 Haven't heard about these marches
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
80. How would you assess the reaction of the authorities to the most recent
"march of those who disagree" on the eve of the 2 December elections?
1 Correct, normal
2 Excessively severe
3 Not severe enough
4 [DON'T READ] Haven't heard about that march
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
81a. Do you think that it was justified to ban on the "marches of those
who disagree" involving people who disagree with Putin's policies?
1 Definitely yes
2 Probably yes
3 Probably no
4 Definitely no
5 [DON'T READ] Haven't heard about these marches/demonstrations
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
81b. Do you think it was justified to use force in order to disperse the "marches
of those who disagree"?
1 Definitely yes
2 Probably yes
3 Probably no
4 Definitely no
5 [DON'T READ] Haven't heard about these marches/demonstrations
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
82. On the whole. how do you feel about
a. the United States?
1 Very good
2 Mostly good
3 Mostly bad
4 Very bad
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
b. the European Union?
1 Very good
2 Mostly good
3 Mostly bad
4 Very bad
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
c. Ukraine
1 Very good
2 Mostly good
3 Mostly bad
4 Very bad
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
83a. Many people suppose that the aim of the foreign policy of the United
States is the complete destruction of Russia. Do you agree with that opinion?
1 Definitely agree
2 Somewhat agree
3 Somewhat disagree
4 Definitely disagree
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
83a. And do you agree with those who say that the aim of the United States
is to get possession of Russia's natural resources?
1 Definitely agree
2 Somewhat agree
3 Somewhat disagree
4 Definitely disagree
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
C5. Some say that Russia's future lies with the countries of Western Europe.
Others think it lies with countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States
(CIS). Which is closer to your view?
1 Definitely CIS
2 More with CIS
3 More with Western Europe
4 Definitely Western Europe
9 [DON't READ] Don't know
85a. How do you assess the foreign policy of Lithuania?
1 Positively
2 Negatively
9 [DON't READ] Hard to say
85b. How on the whole do you feel about Lithuania?
1 Positively
2 Negatively
9 [DON't READ] Hard to say
86a. If the United Nations, ignoring the protests of Serbia, decides to allow
the independence of the autonomous region of Kosovo, should Russia…?
a. Veto the decision, as is her right as a permanent member of the UN Security
Council
1 Definitely yes
2 Probably yes
3 Probably not
4 Definitely not
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
b. in return recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia?
1 Definitely yes
2 Probably yes
3 Probably not
4 Definitely not
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
86c. What do you think is behind the arrest of the deputy minister of finance
Sergei Stopchak?
1 A fight against corruption
2 A fight between clans within government
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
87. In December this year is the anniversary of Stalin's birth. Arguments
continue about how to assess this person and his role in the history of our
country. With which of the following opinions about Stalin would you most
(Several answers possible)
1 He was a wise leader who made the USSR mighty and flourishing
2 He was a cruel, inhuman tyrant who killed millions of people
3 Whatever Stalin's mistakes, the main thing is he led us to victory in World
War II
4 Stalin's policies (purging military personnel, the pact with Hitler) left
us unprepared for the war in 1941, resulting in heavy losses
5 Stalin continued the work of Lenin and other Bolsheviks
6 Stalin betrayed Lenin's idea, and created a sytem far from true socialism
7 Only a cruel ruler could have kept order given the conditions of sharp class
conflict, external threats, and general chaos in our country at that time.
8 Our people need a ruler like Stalin; sooner or later one will come
9 Stalin is calumnied by people who are against the Russian people and state
10 We still don't know the whole truth about Stalin
11 Don't know
88. The New Year celebrations are coming. Which holidays are you going to
observe?
1 Western Christmas on 25 December
2 New Year
3 Orthodox Christmas on 7 January
4 Old New Year
5 Won't celebrate any
89. How would you like to meet the New Year?
1 At home, with family
2 With friends
3 In a resort, with new people I don't know
4 Abroad, far from home
5 Alone
6 I don't celebrate New Year
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
D. DEMOGRAPHICS
S1. Gender
1 Male
2 Female
S2. Age Mean.
S3. Education
1 Primary or lower
2 Incomplete secondary
3 Incomplete secondary, vocational
4 Complete academic secondary
5 Complete secondary, vocational
6 Technical college
7 Higher incomplete
8 University degree
D1. Did you vote in the election for president of Russia on 14 March 2004,
and if yes, who did you vote for, or did you vote against all?
1 Sergei Glazyev
2 Oleg Malyshkin
3 Sergei Mironov
4 Vladimir Putin
5 Irina Khakamada
6 Nikolai Kharitonov
7 Against all, spoiled ballot
8 Didn't vote
9 [DON'T KNOW] Don't know/don’t remember
G14. Do you go to religious services, and if so, how often?
1 At least once a week
2 Once or twice a month
3 3 A few times a year
4 About once a year
5 Less often
6 Never go to church
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
D3. Are you the breadwinner for your family (the person who brings home the
main income)? If not, what is the education level of the breadwinner?
1 Primary or lower
2 Incomplete secondary
3 Incomplete secondary, vocational
5 Complete secondary, vocational
4 Complete academic secondary
6 Technical college
7 Higher incomplete
8 University degree
D4a. What is your economic status?
1 Independent entrepreneur
2 Director, manager
3 Specialist without management functions
4 In the army, police or prosecutor's office
5 Office worker without specialist education
6 Worker (including skilled workers, and workers in agriculture)
7 Student
8 Old age pensioner, not working
9 Disabled pensioner, not working
10 Housewife
11 Unemployed, seeking work
D6a. What is your marital status?
1 Married (GO TO QUESTION D7A)
2 Widow(er)
3 Divorced
4 Live apart but not divorced
5 Never married
8 [DON'T READ] Don't know
D6b. Do you live with anyone as husband and wife, or as a couple, even if
you are not married?
1 Yes
2 No
8 Don't know
D7a. How many people live together with you including yourself and all children?
D7b. And how many children up to the age of 16 live with you and your family?
D8. To which of the following population groups would you say you belong?
1 We barely make ends meet. Not enough money for food
2 Enough money for food, but buying clothes causes financial difficulties
3 Enough money for food and clothes, but durables (TV, fridge) are a problem
4 Can easily buy durables, but we can’t buy very expensive things
5 We can afford to buy even quite expensive things (flat, dacha, and lots
of other things)
D9. What is the total average monthly income of your family from all sources?
(roubles)
G15. There are people in a high position in this society and others who have
a low status. Where would you put yourself on this ladder? (SHOW CARD with
vertical ladder as below):
7 Highest status
6
5
4
3
2
1 Lowest status
9 [DON'T READ] Don't know
D11. Who in your family does most of the shopping for food and manages the
household: mainly you yourself; you together with other family members equally;
mainly other family members? [If answers mainly other family members, specify:]
Do you take any part in buying food or managing the household?
1 Mainly I do it
2 I do it equally with other family members
3 I help out
4 I don’t get involved
S5. Time of end of interview (hours; minutes)
S6. Date of interview (day; month)
S7. Contact details