IISEPS — Independent Institute of Socio-Economic and Politycal Studies

RESULTS OF THE NATION OPINION POLL conducted on December 2 - 12, 2013
(1.502 persons interviewed, margin of error does not exceed 0.03)

1. Was the past year more difficult or easier for Belarus than the previous one?

Variant of answer	%
More difficult	38.6
The same	50.4
Easier	10.1
DA/NA	0.9

2. There are different opinions concerning the progress of Belarusian economy model. Which one do you agree to?

Variant of answer	%
The progress of the Belarusian economy is explained by internal reasons; Russian aid is an important but not a decisive factor	30.5
Without the help of Russia there would be no progress in the Belarusian economy	28.7
There is no progress in the Belarusian economy	34.1
DA/NA	6.7

3. Who is responsible for the present crisis in Belarus? (more than one answer is possible)

Variant of answer	%
The President	45.0
The government	42.0
Parliament	19.6
People	16.3
The USA	15.5
Opposition	13.1
Europe	11.8
Russia	6.6
DA	8.6

4. In his end-of-the-year broadcast President A. Lukashenko said that the accelerated modernization of enterprises in 2013 is the pledge of strengthening of the Belarusian statehood and growth of people’s well-being. Some people think that the modernization had succeeded; others think that it had actually failed. What do you think?

Variant of answer	%
The major part of the plan for modernization of enterprises in 2013 had succeeded	25.4
The major part of the plan for modernization of enterprises in 2013 had actually failed	59.0
DA/NA	15.6

5. Do you consider it important to carry out market-type reforms in Belarus?

Variant of answer	%
Yes	59.7
No	27.8
DA/NA	12.5

6. According to the National Bank there is a significant growth of purchasing of foreign currencies by the citizens. In view of the aforesaid A. Lukashenko stated: "If you are going to run all day long from one exchange office to another and buy foreign currency, you yourself will lead to the weakening of the national currency". Do you agree with that?

Variant of answer	%
I agree	34.7
I disagree	61.3
DA/NA	4.0

7. Many Belarusians are complaining about worsening of their economic well-being, some even talk about poverty. Thereupon the president said once: "People… steal recklessly. There are lots of cars, you cannot force your way. And they are mostly new. While people are indigent. How is that possible? Do they steal or evade taxes?" Do you agree with that?

Variant of answer	%
Yes, I agree	46.9
No, I don’t agree	47.9
DA/NA	5.2

8. Because of the worsening of the economic well-being Belarusian powers are planning to introduce a tax on unemployed (2.6 million rubles) and a state duty (up to 1.5 million rubles) for the issuance of permissions for carrier vehicles to participate in traffic. Do you approve these actions?

Variant of answer	%
Yes, I approve it	22.5
No, I don’t approve it	60.5
It doesn’t matter to me	14.9
DA	2.1

9. Recently a law allowing confiscating cars of drunk drivers has been passed in Belarus. How do you evaluate this law?

Variant of answer	%
This is a right measure	61.1
This penalty is too cruel	25.8
It doesn’t matter to me	11.7
DA/NA	1.4

10. Recently A. Lukashenko has suggested charging a fee of $ 100 on every Belarusian citizen going abroad. What’s your attitude towards this suggestion?

Variant of answer	%
Positive	14.1
Negative	64.7
It doesn’t matter to me	19.6
DA/NA	1.6

11. A new Palace of Independence was built in Minsk. A. Lukashenko said that "there is no single budget ruble" in it. Do you agree with this?

Variant of answer	%
Yes	21.9
No	60.0
DA/NA	18.1

12. During a recent study of the labor market and labor relations in Belarus, one young man said: "The employer is trying to cheat the employee, and the employee is trying to cheat the employer. This is a nature law". Do you agree with these words?

Variant of answer	%
Yes, I agree	49.8
No, I don’t agree	42.0
DA/NA	8.2