MOSCOW, April, 27, 2007. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) submits information whether Russians think it is realizable to turn our country into competitive one.

Turning Russia into competitive power on a world scene in some years is real, in general, as 53% of respondents believe (including 9% stating so absolutely and 44% with some reservations). 37% of interviewed do not agree with them. For three years optimism of Russians has slightly increased: In 2004 this objective was considered real by 49% of respondents against 43%.

Most skeptically inclined are the respondents who do not approve the activity of V. Putin on the post of the president of the country (14% of respondents). Among them 25% believe in an opportunity of turning Russia into the competitive country in the nearest years (including only 2% of those who believe in this unconditionally), and the majority, 69% do not believe in this (including 26% who consider it absolutely unrealistic). Whereas among the respondents approving work of Putin as the head of state (they make the majority, 79% of total respondents), share common opinion of that it is quite possible (58% against 30%).

Moreover, 41% of Russians think that the country has already managed to become a competitive one during the last 2-3 years. There are slightly more of those who do not share their optimism (49%). Opinions of the respondents who evaluate activity of Putin positively were divided almost equally: 47 % think that Russia has reached this status, 43% think it has not. And among those respondents who do not approve president's work, the majority (78% against 18%) note, that the objective is not accomplished.

To become a country capable to compete on a world scene Russia needs to have the developed modern economy (as 61% of respondents believe), to provide a high standard of well-being of citizens (49%), to have powerful armed forces (23%), to return to its leading positions in science and education (16%). Less often respondents identify that for this purpose it is necessary to revive a high level of culture and national spirit, to become the leader of the postSoviet countries, to provide development of democracy and human rights (on 8-9%), to become a "bridge" between the Europe and Asia, between the well developed countries and «the third world» (3%). Three years ago the opinions of interviewed about the necessary conditions for Russia to successfully compete with other countries were divided practically the same as now.

All-Russia opinion poll was conducted by VCIOM, April, 21-22, 2007. 1600 respondents were interviewed in 153 population centers of 46 regions of Russia. The statistical error does not exceed 3.4%.