Interfax: Russians characterize Putin as competent, focused politician – VTsIOM

MOSCOW. May 7 (Interfax) – Russian citizens characterize Russian President Vladimir Putin as competent and focused, the All-Russia Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) sociologists said.

According to the poll results released on Wednesday, 21% of respondents consider Putin to be competent, decisive and focused (20%), while last year such responses were given by 10% and 14% respectively.

Twelve percent said that Putin is an authoritative leader, 11% stated that he is a kind person, 9% conscientious and responsible, and 8% a forward-looking politician. “The president also possesses such qualities as tranquility and restraint (5%), confidence (5%), and initiative (5%),” VTsIOM said in a statement obtained by Interfax.

The poll was held on April 19-20 and involved 1,600 respondents in 130 cities, towns and villages in 42 Russian regions, territories an d republics.

A total of 44% Russians are positive about Putin due to his being an experienced politician and 43% by his joining Crimea to Russia, the survey showed.

Meanwhile, 37% of respondents think the president is energetic and decisive, 27% consider him to be forward-looking, 25% believe he ensures stability in the country, 24% are attracted by his leadership qualities and ability to lead, and 22% suppose Putin is a person able to bring order, sociologists said.

At the same time, 17% of Russian citizens said Putin is capable of compromise and uniting different political forces, 16% said he is a principled person, 15% that he is respected by people, and 12% of respondents said the president is conscientious and selfless.

As a politician Putin evokes positive emotions in most people, sociologists said. Putin is respected by 43% of Russians, brings hope to 34%, is trusted by 31%, liked by 16%, and admired by 11%, the poll showed. At the s ame time, 6% respondents said Putin evoked no feelings as a politician.

Not many people have negative emotions towards the president – 4% of Russians distrust Putin, 3% are disappointed in him, and 3% are skeptical, the poll showed.