Survey in Kabardino-Balkaria: 58% of balkarians are ready to participate in protest actions

Opinions of the residents of Cherkessk about the presidential candidates proved to be rather mixed. 29% those polled expressed their desire to have current Russian prime-minister V. Zubkov as Russia’s next president. Respondents valued Zubkov mostly for what they perceived as his “resolution” and “rich experience”. 26% would like to have as Russia’s next president V. Putin. In the words of those respondents, Putin is the first head of Russia for whom they don’t feel ashamed. Respondents stressed Putin’s ability to be a leader of a nation and to be firm and resolute when necessary.

Among other popular politicians who were mentioned by people in Cherkessk as possible Russia’s presidents were S. Ivanov (21%), D. Medvedev (10%), D. Kozak (6%) and former Russian prime minister E. Primakov (4%). It should be noted that Primakov was praised by his supporters not only for rich experience, political intuition and education, but also for his trustworthiness and other personal qualities.

Responding to a question about changes in social and economic situation in Karachaevo-Cherkessia, almost half of those polled (49%) noticed that there were no changes. 17% and 22% were rather positive about social and economic development of their republic indicating that situation improved or rather improved. In the meantime, 12% of respondents are certain that economic situation in Karachaevo-Cherkessia during last year became worse.

Attitudes of the population towards changes in security sphere in last year were mostly skeptical. Most of those polled (52%) believe that security situation in Karachaevo-Cherkessia in past year rather deteriorated. 17% feel that situation improved; 16% - rather improved and 14% - did not change. Only 1% of those polled reported difficulties in responding to that question.