Russians are surprised at Depardieu`s action and say it was due to his desire to avoid high taxes, rather than his love for Russia and Russian culture. Only 5% believe that the famous French actor will live in Russia.
MOSCOW, January 25, 2013. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data describing what Russians felt when they learned that G. Depardieu had received Russian citizenship; what were the reasons behind his decision to get Russia`s citizenship; whether Russians approve of the Putin`s decision to give Depardieu Russian passport; whether they think that Depardieu would live in Russia.
The fact that Depardieu received Russian citizenship drew a wide response: 91% knew about that during the interview. Those who did not know anything are residents of small cities and rural area (12%, for each), as well as 18-24- year-old Russians (14%).
Thirty-five percent of Russians did not feel anything special about Depardieu`s Russian citizenship. A part of respondents was surprised (22%) and interested in this news (18%). Nine percent felt proud for the country 9%, 4% – tender emotions, 3% – joy, 2% (for each) – hope, inspiration, and admiration. On the other hand, 11% felt indignation, and 9% – irritation.
Thinking over the reason why Depardieu wanted to receive Russian citizenship, respondents explain that he wanted to avoid French taxes (42%). Rarer respondents say that Depardieu asked for Russian citizenship because of his love for Russia (10%). Some people believe that this step is a type of protest against French authorities and the situation in his country (6%), PR move (5%), or a way to have fun (4%). Some people believe that Depardieu has his own interests (5%), that Russia is a land of freedom and permissiveness (4%).
Forty-seven percent of respondents supported Putin`s decision to give Depardieu Russian citizenship immediately. Those who think this decision was right are supporters of United Russia party (57%), Muscovites and St. Petersburgians (57%), and Russians aged 18-24 (53%). The share of those who think this decision was not right is also big (39%). They are basically supporters of A Just Russia party (54%), residents of small cities and rural area (43-44%), and respondents aged over 35 (40%).
Russians do not believe that Depardieu will live in Russia: a relative majority of respondents say that he will not move to Russia (43%). They are basically residents of big and middle cities (47-48%), as well as Russians disapproving of Putin`s decision to give Depardieu Russia’s citizenship (59%). Every fifth report that Depardieu will live in Russia for a while, and then he will leave (21%). According to one-quarter of Russians, Depardieu will change his place of residence (26%). And only 5% are confident that he will live in Russia.
The initiative Russian opinion polls were conducted on January 19-20, 2013. 1600 respondents were interviewed at 138 sampling points in 46 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.
French actor Gerard Depardieu has recently received Russian citizenship. Have you heard about that? (close-ended question, one answer) | |||||||
Total respondents | Moscow and St.Petersburg | Million-cities | More than 500 thousand | 100 - 500 thousand | Less than 100 thousand | Rural area | |
Yes, I know well about that | 54 | 68 | 52 | 68 | 61 | 44 | 48 |
I heard something but I do not know any details | 37 | 29 | 42 | 24 | 31 | 44 | 40 |
I hear for the first time about that | 9 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 12 |
Hard to tell | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
What did you feel when you learned about that? | |
Proud for the country | 9 |
Interest | 18 |
Inspiration | 2 |
Hope | 2 |
Tender emotions | 4 |
Indifference | 35 |
Irritation | 9 |
Admiration | 2 |
Joy | 3 |
Disappointment | 5 |
Indignation | 11 |
Surprise | 22 |
Other | 4 |
Hard to tell | 2 |
In your opinion, why did Gerard Depardieu want to receive Russia`s citizenship? | |
He wanted to avoid high taxes in France | 42 |
Because of his love for Russia; he favors Russia `s mentality, Russia itself | 10 |
It is a type of protest against French authorities | 3 |
He has his own interests; he wants to benefit from that | 5 |
PR move | 5 |
Other countries did not offer him any other citizenship | 1 |
Putin`s invitation | 2 |
He wanted to shock everyone | 4 |
This is his desire, his right, his affair | 3 |
Because of the problems in his country | 3 |
It is better to live in Russia; more freedom, more permissiveness | 4 |
Other | 1 |
Hard to tell | 24 |
In your opinion, was Putin right to grant Depardieu Russia`s citizenship, or not? (close-ended question, one answer) | ||||
Total respondents | Aged 18-24 | Aged 25-34 | Aged 35-44 | |
Definitely yes | 11 | 10 | 8 | 10 |
Rather yes | 36 | 43 | 40 | 37 |
Rather no | 26 | 24 | 25 | 28 |
Definitely no | 13 | 10 | 12 | 12 |
Hard to tell | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 |
In your opinion, will Gerard Depardieu live in Russia as Russian citizen? (close-ended question, one answer) | |||||||
Total respondents | Moscow and St.Petersburg | Million-cities | More than 500 thousand | 100 - 500 thousand | Less than 100 thousand | Rural area | |
Yes, I think he will constantly stay in Russia | 5 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
He will rotate Russia and other countries | 26 | 29 | 27 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 31 |
He will stay in Russia for a while, then leave | 21 | 18 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 21 | 22 |
No, Depardieu will never live in Russia | 43 | 41 | 38 | 47 | 48 | 45 | 40 |
Hard to tell | 5 | 9 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
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!