(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - People in Russia express a high level of satisfaction with many of their country’s accomplishments, but not those regarding economy and democracy, according to a poll by Bashkirova & Partners. At least 75 per cent of respondents say they are proud of Russia’s history, culture, and scientific achievements.

Additionally, 60.7 per cent of respondents are pleased with the Russian armed forces, and 55.6 per cent praise their country’s influence in global affairs. Only 40.5 per cent of respondents are proud of their country’s economic achievements, and just 37 per cent feel the same way about the state of democracy.

Vladimir Putin was elected to a second term as president in March 2004 with 71.31 per cent of all cast ballots. In April 2005, Putin ruled out seeking a new mandate, saying, "I will not change the constitution and in line with the constitution, you cannot run for president three times in a row."

Russian voters renewed the State Duma in December 2007. United Russia (YR)—whose candidate list was headed by Putin—secured 64.1 per cent of the vote and 315 of the legislature’s 450 seats. On that same month, Putin endorsed Dmitry Medvedev as a presidential candidate, and Medvedev said it would be of the "utmost importance" to have Putin as prime minister.

In March, Medvedev easily won Russia’s presidential election with 70.28 per cent of the vote. In May, Medvedev was sworn in as president. His nomination of Putin as prime minister was confirmed by the State Duma in a 392-56 vote.

On Jun. 12, known as The Day of Russia, Medvedev underlined the importance of having a democratic state, saying, "June 12 is firmly linked with the values of democracy and freedom. And we understand well that the free development of our society and the self-realization of its citizens is the best basis for achieving Russia’s intellectual and technological leadership and its high competitiveness."

Polling Data

For the following different areas, please tell us how proud you are in each of them. ("Very Proud" and "Proud" Listed)

Source: Bashkirova & Partners
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,500 Russian adults, conducted from May 16 to May 22, 2008. Margin of error is 3.4 per cent.

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