MOSCOW, February 12, 2021. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the results of a survey about the views of Russians concerning the current government goals and tasks.
Ninety-six percent of Russians agree that the major state responsibility is to take care of all its citizens (insignificant fluctuations for different parties’ supporters). Slightly fewer respondents think that the state policy should be aimed at preserving and strengthening traditions and values first (83%); this idea is often favored by the supporters of the United Russia party (94%) and A Just Russia (93%). Fewer yet agree with the idea that human welfare is largely dependent on each person, rather than social structure or state policy (64%; they are more likely to be the United Russia party supporters (78%) and less likely the KPRF supporters (52%).
Sixty-five percent of Russians believe that the role of the government in society should rise; just 26% think it should be minimal. The percentage distribution of those who support an increased state role and those who oppose it are 77% vs 16% for the United Russia party supporters and 49% vs 46% for the adherents of non-parliamentary parties. As to the ratio between the personal interests and the interests of the state, 47% of respondents agree that people should restrict their personal desires for the sake of state and society; whereas 38% prioritize personal interest above public interests.
According to the surety results, the top five national priorities should be as follows: the government should pay more attention to the quality and availability of health care services (38%), increase the availability in education (25%), launch new industries (23%), solve housing problems (19%) and increase social benefits for various populations (15%). Military capability (12%) and other problems did not make the top five.
As to Russia’s ‘greatpowerness’, the Russian opinions differ: every second respondent says that Russia is a great power, with strong military capabilities and an ability to influence world politics, whereas 41% oppose them saying that Russia’s key priority should be social welfare. ‘Greatpowerness’ is also supported by 66% of the United Russia party supporters (vs 25% of those who prioritize social well-being) and 33% of non-parliamentary party supporters (63% prioritize social well-being).
Russian nationwide VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted in January and February, 2021. Results are based on telephone interviews with 1,600 Russians aged 18 and older. Stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of Russian landline and mobile phone numbers was used. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes to the wording of questions and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement “The principle obligation of the state is to take care of all the citizens at any time and provide social assistance”? (closed-ended question, % of total respondents; 10.01.2021 survey) | ||||||||||||
| Total respondents | United Russia | KPRF | LDPR | A Just Russia | Non-parliamentary parties | ||||||
“Definitely agree” and “Likely to agree” answers | 96 | 98 | 98 | 95 | 98 | 93 | ||||||
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement “Today the government policy should be aimed at maintaining and strengthening traditions and values”? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents; 10.01.2021 survey) | ||||||||||||
| Total respondents | United Russia | KPRF | LDPR | A Just Russia | Non-parliamentary parties | ||||||
“Definitely agree” and “Likely to agree” answers | 83 | 94 | 85 | 86 | 93 | 68 | ||||||
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement “People’s well-being depends heavily on themselves, on their efforts rather than social arrangements or government policies”? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents; 10.01.2021 survey) | ||||||||||||
| Total respondents | United Russia | KPRF | LDPR | A Just Russia | Non-parliamentary parties | ||||||
“Definitely agree” and “Likely to agree” answers | 64 | 78 | 52 | 67 | 66 | 52 | ||||||
Which of the following statements do you most agree with? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents; 02.02.2021 survey) | ||||||
| Total respondents | United Russia | KPRF | LDPR | A Just Russia | Non-parliamentary parties |
Government should interfere in economy, business and other spheres as little as possible | 26 | 16 | 29 | 30 | 16 | 46 |
The role of the government should be increased in various spheres, such as economy and business | 65 | 77 | 66 | 57 | 74 | 49 |
Which of the following statements do you most agree with? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents; 02.02.2021 survey) | ||||||
| Total respondents | United Russia | KPRF | LDPR | A Just Russia | Non-parliamentary parties |
Personal interests are essential to people; they should not be restricted even for social good | 38 | 32 | 39 | 39 | 32 | 49 |
People should restrict their personal interests in the interest of state and society | 47 | 56 | 51 | 43 | 53 | 37 |
In your opinion, what development priorities should the Russian government pay attention to? (closed-ended question, not more than 2 answers, % of total respondents) | |
| Total respondents |
Quality and availability of health care services | 38 |
Quality and availability in education | 25 |
Launching new manufacturing industries | 23 |
Housing provision | 19 |
More social guarantees for various groups of population | 15 |
Increasing defense capabilities | 12 |
More comfortable environment, urban infrastructure development | 11 |
Environment protection | 9 |
Combatting crime | 9 |
Development of new technologies | 8 |
Creating conditions for healthy lifestyles | 6 |
Implementation of the political reform | 4 |
Protecting traditional values | 3 |
Don't know | 5 |
In your opinion, what development priorities should the Russian government pay attention to? (closed-ended question, not more than 2 answers, top five priorities; each electoral group is taken as 100%, 06.02.2021 survey) | ||||||||||
| United Russia | KPRF | LDPR | A Just Russia | ||||||
Quality and availability of health care services | 35 | 54 | 37 | 45 | ||||||
Quality and availability in education | 25 | 30 | 25 | 30 | ||||||
Housing provision | 23 | 27 | 24 | 26 | ||||||
Launching new manufacturing industries | 21 | 17 | 22 | 16 | ||||||
Increasing defense capabilities | 18 | 16 | 15 | 13 | ||||||
Which of the following statements do you most agree with? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents, sum of “definitely agree” and “likely to agree” answers, 02.02.2021 survey) | ||||||||||
| Total respondents | United Russia | KPRF | LDPR | A Just Russia | Non-parliamentary parties | ||||
Russia must be a great power with a strong military force and an ability to influence world politics | 51 | 66 | 49 | 49 | 53 | 33 | ||||
Russia should not seek to strengthen its power; it is better to focus on people's well-being | 41 | 25 | 46 | 47 | 39 | 63 | ||||