MOSCOW, September 27, 2007 Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents information concerning the impression that the head of government V. Zubkov has produced on Russians.

On the whole, Russians have formed a positive first impression of V. Zubkov: he is a good person (as 15% of respondents identify), strict, serious and confident (9%), goal-oriented, a man of business (9%). 6% of respondents provide neutral reviews of him, only 2% are negative. The majority (59%) finds it difficult to provide any estimation.

One third of respondents (33%) considers V. Zubkov to be rather a temporary, "technical" figure on the political arena. About just as many respondents (34%), on the contrary, assume that he has come into politics "to stay and with earnest intentions". Another 33% find it difficult to provide an estimation of the issue.

Those supporting the point of view that the position of Prime Minister is for V. Zubkov the "roof" he won't be able to climb over, are a little more numerous than those, who see the real Presidential contender in him (32% versus 27%). 41% of respondents find it hard to provide any estimation.

V. Zubkov does not have his own political prospects separate from V. Putin, the current Prime Minister is only an executor of the President's will, as 40% of respondents identify. The opposite opinion that he is a totally independent politician with a great future before him even after the end of V. Putin's  presidential powers, is less common (27%). One third of Russians found difficulties in providing any estimation.

The new Head of government is 66 years old. 35% of respondents are of opinion that a person who has reached the pension age should not occupy a position high up in the civil service which requires back-breaking physical extertion that an elderly person cannot fulfil. Approximately as many respondents, 38%, assume that one's personal qualities are much more important than one's age. Those who rather find positive sides in the politician's age, e.g. long experience, which helps him in the working process, are much less numerous (15%); this opinion is most popular among the respondents of 60 years and older, but even in this age group, only the minority adheres to it - 23%.

The All-Russia opinion poll was conducted by VCIOM on September 22-23, 2007. 1600 respondents were interviewed in 153 population areas of 46 regions of Russia. The statistical error does not exceed 3.4%.