Majority of Russians approve of Dmitry Medvedev’s actions as a President of RF (72%).

The higher is the education level of respondents, the more positive are their evaluations of the President’s work (70% of Russians with high school education and 76% university graduates).

Same is typical to the evaluation of the way Dmitry Medvedev fulfills his presidential duties. More than three quarters of respondents (78%) are giving “positive grades” to the President. The new President enjoys largest support among the youth (52% of those aged 18-24 note, that Dmitry Medvedev is “very good” or “good” in fulfilling his duties, and 42% of Russians aged 45-59).

Quarter of Russians state, that their opinion about Dmitry Medvedev improved in the last weeks and months (24%). 62% did not change their attitude and only 7% said it became worse.

Overwhelming majority of Russians trust their president (76%). In the course of the previous 6 months there was a clear positive dynamics in this aspect. While in January 2008 64% of Russians trusted Dmitry Medvedev, by August 2008 this number already reached 76%. Society is quite consolidated in this respect. For instance, there are no significant variations based on age or education with regards to this question. Among Russians aged 18-44, there are 77-78% of respondents that exhibit trust to Dmitry Medvedev, among those aged 45-59 – 73%; in case of break down by education variable: those with high school diplomas – 74-75%, among university students and graduates – 78%).

Majority of Russians display positive emotions towards new president. Among the emotions that head this list are: hope (49%) and respect (28%), only 8% say they are indifferent, only 5% do not trust him, and 3% are disappointed or skeptical about him.

As for the leading qualities of Dmitry Medvedev marked by Russians, those are: his intellect (44%), professionalism (31%), emotional stability and activity (23% each). Besides, respondents appreciate his “being close to people and understanding of people’s needs” – 13%, “decisiveness and bravery” – 13%, “modesty and simplicity” – 13%. Among negative qualities are: passiveness – 4%, indecisiveness – 2%, inflexibility – 1%.

First of all President attracts Russians due to him “being an educated specialis” (37%) and “person with fresh approach to various issues” (22%). 14-16% of Russians also admitted that they believe in his promises to improve their lives, as well as noted that Medvedev is an experienced politician, as well as person of honesty and integrity.

Initiative Russian polling was conducted by VCIOM on August 16-17th 2008. 1600 persons were surveyed in 140 residential units (cities, villages, etc…) in 42 regions (oblasts, republics, krais) of Russia. SE does not exceed 3,4%.

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