Inflation, corruption catching up with public utilities on Russian top problems’ list – poll

(Interfax – MOSCOW, July 11, 2013) Housing and public utilities remain the biggest concern for Russians (55%) although the problem’s acuteness has been alleviated in recent months, the Russian Public Opinion Study Center (VTsIOM) said.

The second biggest problem is inflation (47%) and low living standards rank third (46%). Corruption and bureaucracy (44%) and healthcare problems (43%) follow.

The other top ten problems are alcoholism (38%), unemployment (36%), pensions (32%), drug abuse (29%), the status of young people (28%), morals and education (25% each), crime and ecology (22% each), immigration (21%) and “the influence of oligarchs on national life” (20%).

Fewer Russians are concerned about housing and public utilities (the indicators stood at 59% in May and 64% in April), the sociologists said. Meanwhile, inflation (42% in May) and corruption (44% in May) are becoming more serious concerns.

VTsIOM polled 1,600 adults in 42 regions on June 29-30.