The Russians: Crisis? What Crisis?

VLADIVOSTOK. 27 October. VOSTOK-MEDIA. Analytical centre conducted a social poll aimed at revealing if the Russians are scared with financial crisis. It was held in 128 settlements of 46 regions of Russia. 42% or respondents think that current financial crisis in Russia is temporary and will have consequences in local economies but situation will improve shortly afterwards.
Though, 31% think that consequences can be long-term and far-reaching. 14% can not answer clearly on crisis prognosis and other 14% have not heard anything about crisis.
Issue on financial crisis is interesting mostly for representatives of economically active part of population (aged 25-54), Moscow residents and settlers of big cities. These groups of people are better informed and active in sharing their opinion on financial crisis.
Talking about crisis reasons majority blames world financial markets: according to 54% of residents financial crisis in Russia has happened because of the unstable world markets; however, a significant part of respondents thinks that it is a fault of the Russian government (34%). Most of Moscow residents do not consider that the policy of the Russian government could have been the significant reasons of financial crisis.
From the personal respondents’ point of view, consequences will be short and less significant. 10% of residents have faced salaries arrears, shortages in salaries, firing because of personnel redundancy and plants/companies shutdown. 63% of residents did not express concern related to arrears or redundancy of personnel.