Results of our studies

IN BRIEF

Most of Russians consider that the bribery allegations against the former head of the Ministry of Economic Development are fair, however many respondents still doubt that a fair judgment will be delivered.

MOSCOW, August 17, 2017. The Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the results of a survey devoted to the bribery allegations made against former Russian minister of economic development Alexey Ulyukayev.

The trial against Alexey Ulyukayev, former minister of economic development, has already become high-profile: 71% of Russians are aware of it (88% of retired persons; 82% of residents of Moscow ad St Petersburg). 

Asked whether Ulyukayev is guilty of bribery, most of Russians (57% of all respondents and 79% of those who know about the details of the trial) answer in the affirmative; they are opposed by only 7%. Those who believe the ex-minister is guilty say that the due punishment would be confiscation of property (53%), but many still are in favor of prison sentence (43%).   

At the same time, Russian people tend to think that this trial is a show trial (today 49% of Russians; 54% in November 2016), rather than the government’s efforts to combat corruption (35%). More than half of respondents  (56%) who are confident that Ulyukayev is guilty believe that even if he is proven  guilty the sentence will be formal (Ulyukayev will get the minimal punishment); a further 21% think that he will manage to  escape punishment  sentence.

The Medialogia Company conducted an analysis of more than 76,000 mentions devoted to Ulyukayev in the Russian media. Most of them were in November 2016 (35,000). The media reported the Basmanny court authorized the house arrest of the former head of the Ministry of Economic Development Alexey Ulyukayev accused of bribery. The media also told that President Vladimir Putin dismissed Alexey Ulyukayev due to “loss of confidence”.

The VCIOM-Sputnik Russian nationwide survey was conducted on August 11-13, 2017. The survey involved 1,800 Russians aged 18 and over, and was carried out using stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of landline and mobile phone numbers operating in Russia. The data were weighted for the probability of selection and reflect social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes in question wording and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.

This week the court began hearings of the case of the former minister of economic development Alexey Ulyukayev. He is accused of receiving a bribe. Do you know/have you heard/do you hear for the first time about the Ulyukayev’s trial? (closed-ended question, one answer, %)

 

Total respondents

Aged  18-24

Aged  25-34

Aged  35-44

Aged  45-59

Aged  60 and more

I am well aware of that

22

5

14

26

24

32

I heard something but I do not know any details

49

33

36

47

60

56

This is the first time I hear about that

28

62

49

27

15

10

Don't know

1

0

1

0

1

2

In your opinion, is Alexey Ulyukayev guilty of receiving a bribe or not?
 (closed-ended question, one answer, %)

 

Total respondents

I am well aware of that

I heard something but I do not know any details

This is the first time I hear about that

Definitely  guilty

21

44

17

11

Rather guilty

36

35

44

24

Rather not guilty

5

7

4

3

Definitely not guilty

2

3

1

2

Don't know

36

11

34

60

In your opinion, if he really received a bribe, what kind of punishment should be used?
You can give two or three answers
(closed-ended question, not more than 2 answers, % of those who consider Ulyukayev guilty of bribery)

 

Total respondents

Confiscation of property

53

Jail term

43

Ban to hold executive positions

32

Penalty which exceeds the size of the bribe

20

Community service

7

Death penalty

6

Administrative penalty (reprimand, public condemnation, et cet.)

3

Other

6

Don't know

2

Some people think that the Ulyukayev’s case shows the authorities’ efforts to combat corruption; others believe that this is nothing but a show trial, score-settling or conflict between competing clans. What statement is closer to your point of view?   (closed-ended question, one answer, %)

 

XI.2016*

VIII.2017

I agree with the former: this shows the authorities’ efforts to combat corruption

30

35

I agree with the latter: this is nothing but a show trial, score-settling or conflict between competing clans

54

49

Don't know

16

16

*In 2016 the question was as follows: ‘Some people think that the Ulyukayev’s arrest shows the authorities’ efforts to combat corruption; others believe that this is nothing but a show trial, score-settling or conflict between competing clans. What statement is closer to your point of view?’

If Alexey Ulyukayev is guilty of bribery, what will be the outcome of the court case?
(closed-ended question, one answer, % those who consider Ulyukayev guilty of bribery)

 

Total respondents

Ulyukayev will get a severe punishment

17

The punishment is likely to be formal. His term will be minimal.

56

Ulyukayev will get no punishment. He will be released under different pretexts  

21

Don't know

6


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! The use of the Medialogia system content, fully or partially, must be accompanied by the reference to the Medialogia Company.

Read the article in Russian
Topics:
Corruption