Russians believe that the “foreign agents’ law aims at preventing foreign states from interfering in Russian internal affairs; they think that the law will have more positive than negative effects.
MOSCOW, July 25, 2012. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data describing what consequences the “foreign agents” law will have, according to Russians; how the public perceives the law – as an attempt to protect national policy, or as a tool against dissidents.
According to Russians, the “foreign agents” law will have a positive impact on Russia; first of all, it will reduce the capacity of foreign countries to influence Russian internal politics (5%). The law will establish order in NGO`s activities (7%). The shares of those who think the law will strengthen the stability in the country or reduce protest activity due to the loss of funding are 3% (per each group). Other respondents are confident that the law will reduce corruption or will attract additional revenue are 1% (per each). Rarer Russians mention negative consequences. Those who oppose this law are afraid of the increase of protest actions, introduction of censorship in the country, persecution of dissidents, or general destabilization (1%, for each).
Generally speaking, the public perceives the law on “foreign agents’ as a necessary tool against foreign interference in Russian affairs (67%), rather than as a desire of Russian authorities to weaken or to suppress the opposition (16%). The former point of view is shared by respondents older than 45 (69%, for each), those who do not use the Internet (70%), or those who support the United Russia party (73%). Those who believe that the law is a tool against opposition are users of the Internet (18%), or those who support other parties (19-20%).
The initiative Russian opinion polls were conducted July 14-15, 2012. 1600 respondents were interviewed at 138 sampling points in 46 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.
What consequences will the introduction of the “foreign agents” law have in Russia? | |
More order and control over the activities of NGOs |
7 |
Less foreign interference in Russian affairs | 5 |
Reduction in protest activity due to lack of funding | 3 |
Business will become fair and more open | 3 |
It will be useful for the country in general; the general situation will be stabilized | 3 |
Decrease in the number of NGOs | 3 |
Additional revenues; the assets will remain in the country | 1 |
Corruption will be reduced | 1 |
It will have a negative impact on ordinary people (persecution, censorship, surveillance) | 1 |
It will cause the surge in protest activity | 1 |
It will harm the country | 1 |
This is the way the authorities fight against opposition | 1 |
The funding of NGOs will be lower | 1 |
It is pointless; nothing will be changed; there will be other ways how to avoid the law | 5 |
Other | 6 |
Hard to tell | 59 |
In your opinion, the law on “foreign agents” is … (close-ended question, one answer) | |||||||
| Total respondents |
CPRF supporters | LDPR supporters | Supporters of non-parliament parties | Supporters of A Just Russia party | Supporters of United Russia party | I would not take part in elections |
Tool against dissidents or opposition | 16 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 12 | 21 |
Attempt to prevent foreign countries from interfering in Russian domestic affairs | 67 | 62 | 61 | 81 | 57 | 73 | 62 |
Other | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Hard to tell | 15 | 16 | 19 | 0 | 22 | 13 | 14 |
In your opinion, the law on “foreign agents” is … (close-ended question, one answer) | ||||||
| Total respondents | Aged 18–24 | 25–34 | 35–44 | 45–59 | 60 and above |
Tool against dissidents or opposition | 16 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 11 |
Attempt to prevent foreign countries from interfering in Russian domestic affairs | 67 | 65 | 64 | 66 | 69 | 69 |
Other | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Hard to tell | 15 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 18 |
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!