One year after the presidential elections people who cast their vote for Putin admit that they did so because they trusted him. Almost half of Russians do not believe Putin will have a rival.

MOSCOW, March 4, 2013. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data describing how Russians who voted for Putin a year ago explain their choice; whether they think that Putin is fulfilling his pre-election promises, or not; what Putin should focus on; what positive and negative changes in the life of ordinary Russians were brought about by his policies; whether Russians think that Putin may have rival in the future.

Almost two-thirds of Russians say that they voted for Putin during the 2012 presidential elections (65%), (official data: 63.60%). They are basically respondents aged 45-59 (70%). The share of those who say that they cast their ballot for Gennady Zyuganov is 12% (17.18% according to official data); they are mainly elderly respondents (23%).  Vladimir Zhirinovsky was supported by 7% of respondents (official data: 6.22%). Four percent recognize that they voted for Mikhail Prokhorov (official data: 7.98%); 2% - for Sergey Mironov (official data: 3.85%). 

A year after they made their choice, the voters who supported Putin say they did so because they trusted him (26%). People rarer talk about the results of his work (decline from 26 to 19%); they more often tell that he was one of the deserving candidates (from 8 to 12%). More respondents also admit that they voted for him because of despair and lack of decent alternatives (from 11 to 21%).

More than half of respondents voted for Putin in March 2012 report that his pre-election promises were one of the most important argument in his support (58%). Those who think so are residents of big cities (70%), respondents with income slightly lower than average (63%), and people who do not use the Internet (62%). Other 38% report that his promises were not important for them; they are basically metropolitan residents, those who live in million cities and average cities (46-48%), Russians with high level of income (42%), those who use the Internet from time to time (45%). Putin`s promises were more important for men, rather than women (61 versus 56%).

According to half of Russians (58%) after eight month of presidency most of Putin`s promises have not been fulfilled. Other 16% are confident that the president fulfilled everything he promised. Almost every fifth Russian did not notice any efforts (19%). Right after the 2012 election respondents forecast full (37%) or partial (41%) fulfillment of promises that Putin made; 15% did not believe in that at all. Those who think that most of promises have been fulfilled are supporters of United Russia party (28%) and those who voted for Putin during the 2012 elections (27%). Those who believe that Putin did nothing are LDPR supporters (39%) and men (23%).

Top five key presidential tasks involve increase of public well-being (22%), rise in industry and agriculture, pension provision (13%, for each), fight against corruption  (12%), free quality medical care (11%). Compared to March 2012, the list of tasks have changed: now top problems involve issues referring to medical care and pensions, children`s allowances and kindergartens. On the contrary, modernization of economy and unemployment rate decrease seem less important for Russians.  

The biggest Putin`s achievements are increase of public well-being (11%) and fight against corruption (10%). Among positive changes that were not mentioned earlier respondents cite the appointment of Shoygu as minister of defense (2%), Russia`s accession to WTO, improvement of road condition, fight against alcohol addiction and smoking (1%, for each).

The main negative trend concerning Putin`s activity is inflation (16%). Respondents also cite corruption (8%), fall in living standards (7%). Among new presidential  miscalculations mentioned by Russians are high tariffs for utilities and housing (5%), the bill banning rallies (2%),the Dima Yakovlev bill (1%), accession to WTO (1%) et cet.

Opinion of respondents on Putin`s rivals are different: 43% believe that such a politician already exists or will appear in the near future; however 48% say that there is no rivals and they will not appear in the future. Ten years ago the situation seemed to be different: the share of those who foresaw a rival to Putin was bigger (49 vs. 42%). Today those who think that there is already a serious rival to Putin are residents of capitals (16%), active Internet users (11%), and electorate of Zyuganov and Zhirinovsky (23-22%). Those who say we will see him in the future are Mironov`s adherents (68%). Those who say that there will not be any rivals are residents of big cities (53%), respondents who do not use the Internet (52%), and those who voted for him during the presidential elections (58%).

According to Russians, Putin`s ruling style does not resemble anyone (11% say Putin has his unique style). Those who still finds a resemblance with other leaders cite Andropov`s style (9%). In the beginning of 2000-s this resemblance was much more apparent (19-24%).

The initiative Russian opinion polls were conducted on January 19-20, 26-27, February 9-10, 2013. 1600 respondents were interviewed at 138 sampling points in 46 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.

*In 2012 the question was of a forecast character.

* In March 2012 the question was as follows: “What tasks should Vladimir Putin focus on after taking office as president of RF?"

* In 2008 the questions were as follows: “Could you name negative/positive changes in the life of the country concerning Vladimir Putin`s policies?”

*In 2008 the question was as follows:  “Could you name the negative/positive changes in the life of the country concerning the rule of Vladimir Putin?”

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!