More than one-quarter of Russians watched the inauguration process. The ceremony evoked the feelings of hope and pride among Russians.

MOSCOW, May 16, 2012. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data describing how many Russians saw the inauguration of Vladimir Putin; what feelings the ceremony evoked in them and what they will remember.

The inauguration of Vladimir Putin attracted the attention of more than half of Russians (59%, in 2008– 53%): more than one-quarter of Russians watched the ceremony attentively (26%), and every third have known about Putin`s assumption of office from mass media. Those who saw the ceremony are basically supporters of United Russia party (33%) and elderly respondents (60%).  Those who got the informant from news, from printed media and Internet are mainly adherents of A Just Russia (43%), LDPR (45%), and non-parliament parties (41%). The share of those who were not interested in this event is 41% (in 2008 – 46%). Respondents who did not pay any attention to the inauguration of V.Putin are supporters of CPRF (44%), absentees (56%) and young Russians (50%).

As in 2008, people remembered the grandeur and splendor of the ceremony (27%). The inaugural address of Putin attracted more attention than the address of Medvedev (20% versus 9% in 2008). Nine percent have remembered the president`s oath (previous time - 13%); 5% (for each) – Putin`s walk on the red carpet, and great number of quests; 3% (for each group) remembered the expressions on the faces of Putin and Medvedev; 2% (for each) – the performance of Presidential regiment, excellent organization of the ceremony, and congratulations from Putin`s wife. Nine percent of Russians say the ceremony was not interesting; and only 4% report that they do not remember anything.

The ceremony evoked the feelings of hope (38%) and pride for the country (34%), according to Russians. Compared to 2008, the number of those who say they were inspired by this event has increased (from 12 to 18%); the same share of respondents (18%) marked that the ceremony was not interesting. Fewer Russians felt admiration (8%), joy (5%), or were touched by the ceremony (2%). Rarer Russians mention negative emotions such as irritation (4%), indignation (2%), and boredom (1%). Only 7% were indifferent towards the ceremony. Supporters of United Russia party felt hope (44%); adherents of A Just Russia party felt pride (45%). The ceremony evoked the feeling of inspiration among supporters of LDPR (23%) and United Russia (22%) parties. Those who say that the ceremony was interesting are basically supporters of A Just Russia (20%) and CPRF (23%) parties.

The initiative Russian opinion polls were conducted May 12-13, 2012. 1600 respondents were interviewed at 138 sampling points in 46 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.

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!