Russians consider that the dismissal of Serdyukov and the Oboronservis case are ways to fight against corruption or to settle scores. However, the Serdyukov` dismissal is basically approved by Russians; only 4% believe that there is a need to wait for the results of the investigation.
MOSCOW, November 27, 2012. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data concerning how Russians are informed about big corruption cases of the recent years, as well as what their attitudes towards the dismissal of Serdyukov are.
Amid multiple corruption scandals the Oboronservis case was one of the most high-profile one followed by the consequent dismissal of the Ministry of Defense Serdyukov (72% heard about that). Those who are most aware about that are elderly Russians (78%) and supporters of CPRF party (82%). This case was widely made public not only in the million cities (76%), but in small rural area settlements (76-77%). Least popular are scandals in the Ministry of Regional Development (33%) and “Russian Space Systems” (32%).
Russians ambiguously assess the situation concerning the corruption scandals: some believe that this is a way Putin implements his pre-election promises to fight against corruption (45%); others think that this is an internal political fight or a way to settle scores (45%). Those who share the former position are supporters of United Russia party (60%), residents of small cities and rural area (51-52%). Those who do not agree with them are adherents of A Just Russia party (62%), CPRF (63%) and non-parliament parties (70%), as well as Muscovites and St.Petersburgians (53%).
More than half of Russians are confident that A.Serdyukov should have been dismissed earlier, as the situation in the army has worsened a lot with him being in office (55%). Those who share this stance are supporters of LDPR (66%), CPRF (68%) and non-parliament parties (66%). One-third of respondents believe that the Serdyukov`s dismissal was timely in terms of corruption investigations (32%). Those who think so are adherents of United Russia party (39%) and young Russians (39%). Only 4% think that the dismissal of Serdyukov was untimely.
The initiative Russian opinion polls were conducted on November 17-18, 2012. 1600 respondents were interviewed at 138 sampling points in 46 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.
Have you heard about the latest corruption cases in the Russian ministries and government bodies, or not? If yes, which cases have you heard about? (open-ended question, any number of answers) | ||||||
Total respondents | Aged 18-24 | Aged 25-34 | Aged 35-44 | Aged 45-59 лет | Aged 60 and more | |
I heard about Oboronservis case, Serdyukov`s dismissal | 72 | 56 | 69 | 76 | 74 | 78 |
I heard about a corruption case in the Ministry of Regional Development, APEC Summit embezzlement, arrest of a deputy head of the Ministry of Regional Development | 33 | 25 | 30 | 32 | 37 | 35 |
I heard about the corruption cases in the Russian Space Systems, about embezzlement of funds allocated for Glonass, firing of chief Glonass builder | 32 | 23 | 28 | 32 | 39 | 34 |
I heard about the corruption cases, but I do not know any details | 14 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 12 |
I hear for the first time about it | 8 | 18 | 9 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
Other | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
There are investigations concerning corruption cases in the Defense Ministry, the Ministry of Regional Development and the organization in charge of Glonass project underway. A number of government officials were fired and even arrested. Which of the following statements do you most agree? (close-ended question, one answer) | ||||||||
Total respondents | A Just Russia party | LDPR party | CPRF party | United Russia party | Non-parliament parties supporters | I would not take part in elections | Hard to tell what party I support | |
Big corruption cases are a way that Putin fulfills his pre-election promises to fight against corruption and to establish the order in the country | 45 | 28 | 32 | 31 | 60 | 20 | 29 | 42 |
Big corruption cases are not the fight against corruption, but the result of the fight between top officials, settling scores or a demonstrating action | 45 | 62 | 59 | 63 | 31 | 70 | 60 | 42 |
Other | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
Hard to tell | 7 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 14 |
Anatoly Serdyukov has recently resigned his position as a Defense Minister. His successor is Sergey Shoigu. Which of the following statements do you most agree? (close-ended question, one answer) | ||||||||
Total respondents | A Just Russia party | LDPR party | CPRF party | United Russia party | Non-parliament parties supporters | I would not take part in elections | Hard to tell what party I support | |
Serdyukov`s dismissal is late; he should have been dismissed earlier. The situation in the army has been worsening with him being in office | 55 | 53 | 66 | 68 | 48 | 66 | 59 | 49 |
Serdyukov`s dismissal is timely. A minister being a suspect in a corruption case should be dismissed | 32 | 32 | 21 | 22 | 39 | 24 | 26 | 35 |
Dismissal of Serdyukov is untimely. The investigation is not completed, and nothing is proved. He should not have been fired | 4 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 4 |
Hard to tell | 10 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 2 | 13 | 12 |
Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!