Russians think the socio-economic problems are the main reasons behind the upheaval and expect positive changes to come.

MOSCOW, March 2, 2011. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data concerning the attitudes of Russians towards upheaval in the Arab world.

The overwhelming majority of Russians know about the recent developments in the Arab world (86%). Thirty-five percent of them keep a sharp eye on that; other 51% know about the situation in general. Those who are most informed are supporters of non-parliament parties (65%), CPRF (48%) and Fair Russia party (46%), respondents of pre-retirement and retirement ages (37-39%), Russians with high income (40%). Young Russians, elderly respondents and rural area residents do not know anything about the unrest in the Arab world (9%, 13-14% and 14% respectively).

Those Russians who know about the Arab unrest regard low living standards to be the main reason behind the unrest (45%). This is followed by political reasons such as stagnation - 14%, rigid authoritarian regime - 13%. Eight percent are confident that the unrest was caused by high level of corruption. Those who say the reasons are Western intelligence services provocation (2%) and Islamists actions (1%) are in the minority.  

Asked about the key participants of the Egypt demonstrations, Russians mention all the population of the country regardless of social status, age and religion (33%). Every fifth (22%) is confident that the main participants of the unrest are the poor who fight for a decent standard of living (22%). Other 12% mention different population groups such as youth (5%), unemployed, working class (3% for each), and Islamists (2%). Nine percent of participants name opposition (6%), professional agitators, and provocateurs (3%).

Predicting the life in Egypt after the riots, a relative majority of respondents (38%) expect positive changes and expect that the authorities would listen to people. Those who are optimistic are respondents aged 35-59 (41-43%), Russians with high level of education (40%), active internet users (43%). Every forth (24%) believe the actions will only aggravate the situation in Egypt. Those who think so are mainly elderly respondents (28%), and respondents with the level of education above average (26-27%), supporters of the United Russia party (53%) and absentees (54%). Nineteen percent of respondents say that long-lasting mass protests will not lead to anything; they are mainly young respondents (22-32%), episodic internet users (21%), communists, Fair Russia party adherents and absentees (10-11%).

The initiative Russian opinion polls were conducted on 12-13 February, 2011. 1600 respondents were interviewed at 138 sampling points in 46 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4%.

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!