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Press

Social and political mood of residents of the Ternopil region

01.08.2020

The results of the survey conducted by the Sociological Group “Rating” during 12–21 June 2020 among residents of the Ternopil region demonstrated that respondents assess the local state of affairs better than the general situation in the region or in the country. Thus, only 16% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 66% hold the opposite view. 20% assess the situation in the region as correct, while 52% assess it as incorrect. At the same time, 40% of residents of the region believe that affairs in their settlements are going in the right direction, while 46% hold the opposite opinion. Since the beginning of the year, assessments of the situation in the country and the region have worsened, while assessments regarding settlements have remained almost unchanged.
62% of respondents believe that the economic situation in Ukraine has worsened over the past year. Only 9% saw an improvement, while 26% did not notice any changes. Assessing changes in the economic situation of their own family, 42% said it had worsened, 46% said it had not changed, and only 11% felt an improvement. At the same time, 23% still expect an improvement in the economic situation in Ukraine over the next year. 31% believe that the situation will not change, while 30% expect deterioration.
59% of respondents expressed a clear willingness to participate in elections to the Verkhovna Rada if they were held in the near future. The leader of electoral preferences among political forces in parliamentary elections is the Servant of the People party, which 25.2% of those who have decided and intend to vote are ready to support. 20.4% support the European Solidarity party, 9.5% the Batkivshchyna party, 6.9% the Svoboda party, 5.9% the Strength and Honor party, 5.7% the Radical Party, and 4.5% the Civic Position party. The rating of other political forces is less than 4%. About 20% are undecided.
The Opposition Platform – For Life party leads the anti-rating of political forces. 31.2% of voters would never vote for it in parliamentary elections. 25.9% would not support the Servant of the People party, 21.7% the European Solidarity party, 13.3% the Radical Party, and 12.8% the Batkivshchyna party.
70% of respondents said they would take part in local elections. The leader among political forces to the regional council is the Servant of the People party, which would be supported by 22.4% of those who have decided and intend to vote. 18% would support the European Solidarity party, 15.0% the For the Future party, 9.1% the Svoboda party, 8.1% the Batkivshchyna party, 4.4% the Voice party, and 3.3% the Strength and Honor party. The rating of other political forces is less than 3%. About a quarter are undecided.
Residents of the region rated opportunities for recreation and safe living at a relatively high level. At the same time, respondents are rather dissatisfied with opportunities to find a job, engage in entrepreneurship, and especially earn money.
72% of respondents do not plan to go abroad for work in the near future. 26% plan to do so.
Internet websites (53%), national television (45%), and social networks (38%) are the main sources of socio-political news. 23% receive it from local television programs, 9–10% from radio, acquaintances or close people, and local press. Only 4% read national print media.

Press

Social and political moods of residents of Ternopil

27.07.2020

The results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group on 23 July 2020 among residents of Ternopil showed that city residents assess the local state of affairs much more positively than the overall situation in the country. Thus, only 21% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 70% believe it is moving in the wrong direction. At the same time, 67% of city residents believe that things in the city are going in the right direction, and only 25% hold the opposite view. Compared to last year, assessments of the national situation have worsened, while assessments of the local situation have improved.
78% positively assess the performance of the Mayor of Ternopil, S. Nadal, while 20% assess it negatively. Almost 40% were unable to assess the performance of the Head of the Ternopil Regional State Administration, V. Trush, and the same share assessed his work negatively. 21% gave positive evaluations.
33% are satisfied with the performance of President Zelenskyi, while 65% are dissatisfied. 37% are satisfied with the performance of the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, D. Razumkov, while 50% are dissatisfied. 21% are satisfied with the performance of Prime Minister D. Shmyhal, 62% are dissatisfied, and 17% were unable to assess his work.
Among local politicians, city residents have the most favorable attitude toward S. Nadal: 78% positive and 19% negative. Toward S. Barna, 40% have a positive attitude, 41% a negative one, and 14% do not know him. Toward M. Ratushniak, 33% have a positive attitude, 17% a negative one, and 44% do not know him. Toward R. Zastavnyi, 29% have a positive attitude, 54% a negative one, and 13% do not know him. Toward V. Hevko, 20% have a positive attitude, 17% a negative one, and 59% do not know him. Toward V. Ovcharuk, 19% have a positive attitude, 15% a negative one, and 64% do not know him. Toward V. Blikhar, 18% have a positive attitude, 18% a negative one, and 59% do not know him. More than 70% of respondents do not know the other politicians included in the list.
In the ranking of political parties in the elections to the Ternopil City Council, the leaders are the Svoboda party, supported by 22.3% of those who have decided and intend to vote, and the European Solidarity party, supported by 20.7%. The Servant of the People party is supported by 13.9%, Batkivshchyna by 7.3%, Holos by 7.0%, the Ukrainian Galician Party by 5.2%, the Power of People party by 4.3%, the Civic Position party by 3.7%, and the Samopomich party by 3.3%. The rating of other political forces is below 3%. About 12% have not decided.
Among mayoral candidates, the leader in the ranking is Serhii Nadal, whom 66.3% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections are ready to support. The ratings of other candidates are significantly lower. Thus, 6.5% could support V. Hevko, 5.9% V. Ovcharuk, 4.5% M. Ratushniak, 4.4% M. Cherkashyn, 3.4% V. Blikhar, 3.1% I. Turskyi, 1.1% O. Stanko, and 0.9% A. Liubetskyi. About 9% have not decided.
Modeling of the second round of mayoral elections showed that if S. Nadal and other potential candidates reached it, the incumbent mayor would win. In a pairing with V. Hevko, the result would be 74% versus 12%; with V. Blikhar, 75% versus 12%; and with V. Ovcharuk, 73% versus 13%. About 15% of respondents have not yet decided or do not want to participate in voting in the specified second-round combinations.

Press

Ukraine: assessment of the socio-political situation

27.07.2020

According to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group during 15–20 July, 19% believe that overall affairs in Ukraine are moving in the right direction, while 68% hold the opposite view.
More than 60% believe that the economic situation in Ukraine has worsened over the past six months, one quarter think it has not changed, and only 8% have noticed an improvement. At the same time, expectations regarding the future are more optimistic: 17% believe that in the next six months the economic situation in Ukraine will improve, 35% think it will not change, and 40% expect deterioration. However, in the long-term dynamics, the share of those expecting improvement is declining; alongside this, the feeling of hope (26%) among the population is also somewhat decreasing, while disappointment remains the most frequently felt emotion (43%).
Overall, most respondents see the cause of a possible economic crisis in the incompetence of the authorities, although one quarter believe that economic decline will occur due to the coronavirus.
The trust rating among national politicians is led by the incumbent President V. Zelenskyy, who is trusted by 41% and not trusted by 53%.
27% of respondents trust V. Groysman, while 63% do not trust him; 23% trust Y. Boyko and 57% do not; V. Klitschko is trusted by 22% and not trusted by 67%; D. Razumkov is trusted by 21% and not trusted by 46%, while 23% do not know him; Y. Tymoshenko is trusted by 20% and not trusted by 74%; P. Poroshenko is trusted by 19% and not trusted by 76%. In addition, 11% trust A. Portnov, while 41% do not know him and another 42% do not trust him. Only 11% trust the incumbent Prime Minister D. Shmyhal; one quarter do not know him, and more than half do not trust him.
The presidential rating is also led by V. Zelenskyy; if elections were held in the near future, he would be supported by 30.2% among those who intend to vote and have decided on their choice. 14.4% would vote for Y. Boyko, 13.7% for P. Poroshenko, and 9.1% for Y. Tymoshenko. Another 5.8% would vote for I. Smeshko, 3.9% for O. Lyashko, 3.1% for V. Groysman, and 3.0% for A. Hrytsenko. The ratings of other candidates do not exceed 3%, and about 13% are undecided.
36% are satisfied with the activities of President V. Zelenskyy, while 56% are dissatisfied; 24% are satisfied with the work of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada D. Razumkov, and 55% are dissatisfied. Only 12% approve of the work of Prime Minister D. Shmyhal, one quarter cannot assess his activities, and 62% do not approve. The activities of the Verkhovna Rada and the Government are approved by even fewer respondents: about 10% are satisfied with their activities, while almost 80% are dissatisfied.
In the parliamentary rating, the leader is the Servant of the People party, which nearly 28% among those ready to vote and who have decided on their choice are prepared to support; almost 16% are ready to vote for the Opposition Platform, 14% for European Solidarity, and about 10% for Batkivshchyna. About 4% would support the Radical Party and the Strength and Honor party, and around 3% are ready to support the Shariy party, Svoboda, and the Ukrainian Strategy of Groysman.
Half of the respondents tend to support a local party in the local elections in October, even if it runs only in one region, while almost 30% intend to vote for a well-known national political force.

Press

Social and political moods of Irpin residents

23.07.2020

The results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group during 3–6 July 2020 among residents of Irpin showed that city residents assess the local state of affairs much more positively than the overall situation in the country. Thus, only 18% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 65% hold the opposite view. At the same time, 43% assess the situation in the city as moving in the right direction, while 41% consider it wrong. Young people and wealthier respondents give more optimistic assessments than other categories.
67% of respondents noted that they more often feel joy when thinking about their city. 23% feel sadness. The latter are more common among poorer and older respondents.
43% of respondents stated that they trust President Zelenskyy, while 51% do not trust him. 22% trust P. Poroshenko, while 73% do not. 20% trust I. Smeshko, 45% do not, and 27% do not know him. 14% trust Y. Boyko, 57% do not, and 23% do not know him. 13% trust Y. Tymoshenko, while 82% do not. 38% do not know O. Dubinskyi, 9% trust him, and 46% do not.
34% are satisfied with the activities of President Zelenskyy, while 55% are not satisfied. 11% are satisfied with the work of Prime Minister Shmyhal, 60% are not satisfied, and 29% could not assess it. Only 9% are satisfied with the activities of Parliament, while 80% are not. Since the end of 2019, satisfaction with the named individuals and institutions has declined.
69% of respondents expressed a definite readiness to take part in parliamentary elections if they were held in the near future. Among political forces, the leader is the Servant of the People party, which would receive the votes of 30.5% of those who have decided and intend to vote. 21.0% would vote for the European Solidarity party, 7.9% for the Batkivshchyna party, 7.0% for the Opposition Platform – For Life party, 6.4% for the Strength and Honor party, 4.8% for the Shariy party, and 3.4% for the Svoboda party. The ratings of other political forces are below 3%. About 20% of respondents are undecided.

Press

Social and political moods of Lviv residents

22.07.2020

The results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group during 3–12 July 2020 among residents of Lviv showed that respondents assess the local situation relatively better than the overall situation in the country. Only 11% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 70% hold the opposite view. 28% assess the situation in the city as correct, while 48% consider it incorrect. Younger and more affluent respondents more often give optimistic assessments at the city level. At the same time, regarding the country as a whole, there are no significant differences between age and wealth groups. Relatively more optimists about the country’s development direction are found among supporters of the Servant of the People party. Over the past six months, these sentiments have deteriorated.
At least two thirds of respondents are dissatisfied with the performance of key national leaders and parliament. Only 16% of respondents are satisfied with the work of President Zelenskyy, while 66% are dissatisfied. Only 8% are satisfied with the activities of Prime Minister Shmyhal, 62% are dissatisfied, and 30% could not assess his performance. Only 6% are satisfied with the work of parliament, while almost 80% are dissatisfied. Since autumn of last year, satisfaction with the work of central government bodies has declined.
48% are satisfied with the work of Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, while 33% are dissatisfied. 29% are satisfied with the activities of the city council, 38% are dissatisfied, and 33% could not assess it. Satisfaction with city public transport stands at 32%, while 51% are dissatisfied; for educational institutions, 28% are satisfied and 36% dissatisfied; for the police, 28% and 47% respectively; for municipal services, 23% satisfied and 60% dissatisfied; for social protection services, 22% satisfied and 36% dissatisfied, with 42% unable to assess; and for city medical institutions, 21% satisfied and 62% dissatisfied. Since the beginning of the year, assessments of the city’s sectors have worsened.
The military conflict in eastern Ukraine (62%) tops the list of nationwide problems among respondents. At the national level, Lviv residents are also concerned about lack of jobs and unemployment (32%), bribery and corruption in government (30%), low wages and pensions (29%), the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic (24%), and the inability to obtain quality medical care (22%). Personally, respondents also consider the war in the East (44%) and low wages and pensions (35%) to be their biggest problems. Lack of work personally concerns 24%, bribery and corruption in government and the COVID-19 epidemic concern 23% each, and poor-quality healthcare concerns 20%.
Among city-level problems, Lviv residents are most concerned about traffic congestion on streets (45%) and the cost of utility services (39%). Corruption in the city government concerns 34%, chaotic high-rise construction 32%, drug addiction and alcoholism 31%, and a lack of parking spaces 21%. The quality of public transport services and poor road conditions are considered problems by 19% each, while the presence of stray animals on the streets, a shortage of places in kindergartens, low professional standards of medical staff, and transport fares concern 16–17% each.
Improving the performance of medical institutions is the main priority for city authorities according to residents (52%). About one third of respondents consider the quality of housing and communal services, public transport, waste collection and disposal, and the fight against corruption to be priority tasks for the city government. Improving the work of educational institutions, job creation, and road quality are priorities for about one quarter.
The quality of roads, sidewalks and adjacent territories, tourism development, and the renovation of parks and squares are considered the main achievements of Mayor Andriy Sadovyi by respondents (26–31%). 22% consider improved street lighting to be his achievement, 16% the quality of public transport, and 11% each improvements in waste collection and disposal and attracting investment to the city.
In the rating of political forces for elections to the city council, the leader is the European Solidarity party, which 28.2% of those who have decided and intend to vote are ready to support. Samopomich is supported by 18.6%, Holos by 9.8%, Servant of the People by 7.6%, Svoboda by 5.7%, and Batkivshchyna by 5.6%. The ratings of other political forces are below 5%. About 14% are undecided.
Among candidates for the position of mayor, Lviv residents have the most positive attitude toward Andriy Sadovyi: 43% view him positively, 27% neutrally, and 29% negatively. Roman Koshulynskyi is viewed positively by 32%, neutrally by 21%, negatively by 15%, while 32% do not know him. Oleh Synyutka is viewed positively by 25%, neutrally by 26%, negatively by 25%, and 24% do not know him. Ihor Zinkevych is viewed positively by 21%, neutrally by 19%, negatively by 7%, and 54% do not know him. Ihor Vasyunyk is viewed positively by 10%, neutrally by 29%, negatively by 14%, and 46% do not know him. Volodymyr Hirniak is viewed positively by 10%, neutrally by 26%, negatively by 11%, and 53% do not know him. More than 70% of respondents do not know other politicians. Over the past four years, attitudes toward Mayor Andriy Sadovyi have remained almost unchanged (41–43%), while attitudes toward Roman Koshulynskyi (from 18% to 32%) and Oleh Synyutka (from 17% to 25%) have improved.
Among candidates for the position of mayor of Lviv, the leader is Andriy Sadovyi, supported by 38.1% of those who have decided and would take part in voting. Roman Koshulynskyi would be supported by 17.9%, Oleh Synyutka by 13.8%, Ihor Zinkevych by 10.7%, Volodymyr Hirniak by 5.4%, Yaroslav Ruschyshyn by 3.4%, and Ihor Vasyunyk by 3.4%. The ratings of other candidates are below 2%. About 16% are undecided.
Modeling of the second round of mayoral elections showed that if Andriy Sadovyi faced other potential candidates, the incumbent mayor would win. In a runoff against Roman Koshulynskyi the result would be 45% versus 32%, against Oleh Synyutka 46% versus 26%, and against Ihor Zinkevych 46% versus 25%. At the same time, it should be taken into account that from one quarter to one third of respondents are still undecided or do not want to participate in voting in these second-round scenarios.

Press

Social and political moods of Chernihiv region

22.07.2020

The results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group during 8–20 July 2020 among residents of Chernihiv Oblast showed that respondents assess the local situation better than the overall situation in the oblast or the country. Only 16% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 65% hold the opposite view. 30% assess the situation in the oblast as correct, while 46% consider it incorrect. At the same time, 44% of oblast residents believe that affairs in their localities are moving in the right direction, while 43% think otherwise. Younger and more affluent respondents more often give optimistic assessments at all levels.
The military conflict in eastern Ukraine (57%) and lack of jobs and unemployment (44%) top the list of nationwide problems among respondents. At the national level, respondents are also concerned about low wages and pensions (31%), the inability to obtain quality medical care (25%), the coronavirus epidemic (22%), and bribery and corruption in government (18%). Personally, respondents most often consider low wages and pensions to be their main problem (41%). The war in the East personally concerns 35%, lack of work 31%, increases in utility tariffs 19%, the coronavirus epidemic 15%, bribery and corruption in government 15%, and rising prices for basic goods 13%.
Among regional problems, residents are most concerned about employment issues (50%) and poor-quality medical services (44%). Poverty concerns 33%, industrial decline 31%, the dying out of villages 28%, decline of agriculture 25%, poor road conditions 24%, land theft 22%, and drug addiction and alcoholism 20%.
Two thirds of respondents are satisfied with the work of city and village mayors, while one third are dissatisfied. More than 60% were unable to assess the work of the heads of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration and the Chernihiv Regional Council. 13–18% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their activities, while 18–20% were dissatisfied.
32% of respondents are satisfied with the activities of President Zelenskyy, while 49% are dissatisfied. 48% are dissatisfied with the activities of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, 10% are satisfied, and 42% could not assess his performance. 76% are dissatisfied with the work of the Verkhovna Rada, while only 8% are satisfied.
Among local politicians, the most positive attitude is toward the Mayor of Chernihiv, Vladyslav Atroshenko, with 48% expressing a positive attitude, 18% a neutral one, 4% a negative one, and 30% saying they do not know him. Volodymyr Dubil is viewed positively by 16%, neutrally by 17%, negatively by 10%, while 57% do not know him. Valerii Kulich is viewed positively by 10%, neutrally by 14%, negatively by 8%, and 68% do not know him. More than 70% of respondents do not know other politicians.
In the rating of political forces for elections to the oblast council, the leader is the Servant of the People party, supported by 21.0% of those who have decided and intend to vote. The Native Home party is supported by 18.7%, Batkivshchyna by 16.5%, the Radical Party by 12.9%, European Solidarity by 6.3%, Opposition Platform – For Life by 6.2%, Nash Krai by 4.4%, and Strength and Honor by 3.1%. The ratings of other political forces are below 3%. About 20% are undecided.
In the rating of political forces for elections to the Chernihiv City Council, the leader is the Native Home party, which 46.6% of decided voters intending to participate in the elections are ready to support. The Servant of the People party is supported by 9.9%, Opposition Platform – For Life by 9.8%, Batkivshchyna by 8.2%, European Solidarity by 5.8%, and the Radical Party by 5.5%. The ratings of other political forces are below 3%. About 17% are undecided.
Among candidates for Mayor of Chernihiv, the clear leader is Vladyslav Atroshenko, supported by 88% of those who have decided and would take part in voting. The ratings of other candidates are significantly lower: 2.0% would support V. Antoshyna, 1.9% Y. Vlasenko, 1.6% O. Seminskyi, and 1.0% each A. Poliakov and O. Sokolov. About 10% are undecided.

Press

One year after the Verkhovna Rada elections: citizens’ assessments

21.07.2020

The results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group on 16–17 July 2020 showed that 55% of respondents actively follow political events in Ukraine. 25% do so occasionally, 14% rarely, and 6% do not follow politics at all. At the same time, the older the respondents are, the more often they follow political events. Compared to April of this year, the number of those interested in domestic political news has increased.
Almost 30% of respondents believe that the current parliament is more effective than the previous composition of the Verkhovna Rada, while a quarter hold the opposite opinion and consider the previous parliament more effective. At the same time, almost half believe that there is no significant difference between them. Young people and voters of the Servant of the People party assess the effectiveness of the current Verkhovna Rada most positively. Voters of European Solidarity assess it most negatively, with the majority of them believing that the previous parliament was more effective.
Among state leaders, respondents assess the work of President Zelenskyy relatively better, with 37% satisfied with the Head of State’s activities and 59% giving opposite assessments. 25% are satisfied with the work of Verkhovna Rada Speaker Razumkov, while 57% are dissatisfied. Only 16% are satisfied with the activities of Prime Minister Shmyhal, while 65% of respondents are dissatisfied.
Among parliamentary factions, the Servant of the People faction received relatively better assessments, with a satisfaction level of 32% among all respondents and 90% among party voters. About a quarter of respondents are satisfied with the activities of the Opposition Platform – For Life, European Solidarity, and Batkivshchyna factions, while around 70% are dissatisfied. 17% are satisfied with the activities of the Holos faction, while 73% are dissatisfied. The age distribution of assessments is indicative: young people are relatively more satisfied with the Servant of the People faction, while older respondents are more satisfied with the factions of Opposition Platform – For Life, European Solidarity, and Batkivshchyna.
The return to the Criminal Code of provisions on punishment for illicit enrichment and the introduction of criminal liability for MPs for “button-pushing” were the parliamentary decisions most positively assessed by respondents, at around 90%.
Significant support, ranging from 60% to 80%, was also recorded for implemented initiatives such as the abolition of parliamentary immunity, granting volunteers the status of war participants, low-interest loans for entrepreneurs at 5%, 7%, and 9%, returning amber mining to the legal framework, increasing income limits for individual entrepreneurs, adopting the law on impeachment of the President, introducing strict rules for transporting children in cars only in child safety seats, restricting the transfer of funds to offshore jurisdictions, and simplifying admission to Ukrainian universities for children from occupied territories. At the same time, the last three initiatives also have a significant number of opponents, at around 20%.
It is important that most of the above-mentioned decisions of the Verkhovna Rada find relatively even support among supporters of different political forces. However, there are also decisions that provoke resistance. For example, the decision to simplify admission to Ukrainian universities for children from occupied territories is supported by the majority of voters of all parliamentary parties except European Solidarity, half of whose supporters oppose it. Similarly, the decision to grant volunteers the status of war participants is supported by more than 80% of supporters of various political forces, except for Opposition Platform – For Life, where support is at 56%.
The introduction of monetary rewards for whistleblowers, a ban on returning bankrupt banks to their former owners, including PrivatBank, and the demonopolization of the alcohol industry are supported by about 50% of respondents. The abolition of the majoritarian electoral system was supported by 40%, not supported by 19%, and a third assessed it neutrally.
In contrast, the legalization of gambling and the introduction of a land market were predominantly perceived negatively by respondents. About 60% do not support these decisions of the Verkhovna Rada, while about a quarter support them. Relatively more supporters of these two parliamentary decisions are found among young people and sympathizers of the Servant of the People, European Solidarity, and Holos parties.
In the rating of political forces for elections to the Verkhovna Rada, the leader is the Servant of the People party, which 27.9% of those who have decided and intend to vote are ready to support. Opposition Platform – For Life is supported by 18.0%, European Solidarity by 14.7%, Batkivshchyna by 11.4%, the Lyashko Radical Party by 5.2%, Strength and Honor by 4.3%, the Shariy Party by 3.4%, the Ukrainian Strategy of Groysman by 3.3%, the Svoboda party by 3.2%, and the Holos party by 3.1%. The ratings of other political forces are below 2%.

Press

District No. 208: socio-political attitudes

17.07.2020

The results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of July 4–11, 2020, among residents of Single-Member Electoral District No. 208 demonstrated that respondents assess the local situation more positively than the general situation in the oblast or in the country. Thus, only 16% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 65% hold the opposite opinion. Twenty-five percent assess the situation in the oblast as going in the right direction, while 52% assess it as going in the wrong direction. At the same time, 36% of district residents believe that things in their localities are going in the right direction, while 50% hold the opposite view. Younger and more affluent respondents give more optimistic assessments at all levels.
The military conflict in the East of the country (59%) and the lack of jobs and unemployment (50%) top the ranking of nationwide problems among respondents. At the national level, respondents are also concerned about the COVID-2019 coronavirus epidemic (30%), low wages and pensions (23%), bribery and corruption in government (23%), and the inability to receive quality medical care (21%). Personally, respondents consider low wages and pensions to be the biggest problem for themselves (40%). The lack of employment personally concerns 35%, the war in the East 29%, poor-quality healthcare 22%, the COVID-2019 coronavirus epidemic 17%, increases in utility tariffs 16%, and bribery and corruption in government as well as rising prices for basic goods, 14% each.
Among local problems, district residents are most concerned about the lack of jobs (51%) and the low level of wages in the region (40%). Poor-quality medical care concerns 33%, poor road conditions 28%, poverty 26%, depopulation of villages 24%, land theft 20%, industrial decline 17%, drug addiction, alcoholism, and the decline of agriculture, 14% each.
About 40% were unable to assess the performance of the Chernihiv Oblast State Administration and the Chernihiv Oblast Council. One third of respondents expressed satisfaction with their activities, and the same share were dissatisfied.
Forty-four percent of respondents are satisfied with the activities of President Zelenskyy, while 45% are dissatisfied. Regarding the activities of Prime Minister D. Shmyhal, 43% are dissatisfied, 17% are satisfied, and 42% were unable to assess. Seventy-five percent are dissatisfied with the work of the Verkhovna Rada, while only 13% are satisfied.
Among the main spheres of life, respondents relatively better assessed the work of educational institutions (schools and kindergartens), with about 50% satisfied with their work and about one third dissatisfied. Forty percent are satisfied with the state of the environment, while 56% are dissatisfied. Thirty-seven percent are satisfied with personal safety and crime prevention, while 55% are dissatisfied. Thirty-two percent are satisfied with the development of agriculture, while 63% are dissatisfied. Twenty-nine percent are satisfied with social protection of the population, while 59% are dissatisfied. Twenty-three percent are satisfied with support for young families, while 58% are dissatisfied. Only 13% are satisfied with the fight against corruption at the local level, while 64% are dissatisfied. The greatest dissatisfaction was expressed regarding the condition of roads (73% dissatisfied, 26% satisfied), healthcare (76% and 20%, respectively), and the creation of new jobs (85% and 10%).
Eighty-two percent are satisfied with the quality of electricity supply, while 17% are dissatisfied. Sixty-four percent are satisfied with gas supply, while 28% are dissatisfied. Sixty-two percent are satisfied with the quality of drinking water, while 36% are dissatisfied.
Among local politicians, respondents have the best attitude toward O. Liashko (49% positive, 23% neutral, 27% negative). Attitudes toward A. Bohdan are positive among 6%, neutral among 26%, negative among 19%, while 50% do not know him. More than 75% of respondents do not know other politicians.
In the ranking of political forces in elections to the Verkhovna Rada, the leader is the Radical Party of Oleh Liashko, which is supported by 27.6% of those who have decided and intend to vote. The Servant of the People party is supported by 19.0%, Batkivshchyna by 16.0%, Opposition Platform – For Life by 8.4%, European Solidarity by 6.5%, Strength and Honor by 4.6%, Our Land by 4.0%, and Ridnyi Dim by 3.2%. The ratings of other political forces are below 3%. About 25% remain undecided.
Among candidates in the by-election of a Member of Parliament in the electoral district, the leader is Oleh Liashko, supported by 65.1% of those who have decided and would participate in voting. The ratings of other candidates are significantly lower: A. Panchenko would be supported by 9.3% of respondents, A. Usenko by 5.9%, A. Bohdan by 4.5%, V. Tkachenko by 4.5%, and A. Hunko by 1.1%. The share of undecided respondents is 26–27%.
Fifty-five percent of respondents believe that the Verkhovna Rada should consist of experienced deputies, while 25% are convinced that so-called “new faces” should become Members of Parliament. Twenty percent were undecided.
Sixty-two percent noted that when choosing a Member of Parliament, they would rather vote for a candidate who pays more attention to solving economic and household issues directly in the district. Only 19% would support a candidate who pays more attention to solving national issues.
Sixty-one percent are ready to support a candidate who already has experience in politics, while only 16% intend to support a candidate without such experience.
Thirty-seven percent could vote for a candidate who supports the course of President Zelenskyy, 26% for an opposition candidate, while for 37% these factors are not significant. Thirty-six percent would support a candidate representing a specific party, 21% a self-nominated candidate, while for 47% these factors are insignificant.

Press

Social and political mood of residents of the Kharkiv region

16.07.2020

The results of the survey conducted by the Sociological Group “Rating” during 4–12 July 2020 among residents of the Kharkiv region showed that respondents assess the local situation more positively than the overall situation in the region or the country. Thus, only 14% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 72% hold the opposite view. 31% assess the situation in the region as correct, while 45% consider it incorrect. At the same time, 51% of residents of the region believe that affairs in their settlements are moving in the right direction, while 39% hold the opposite opinion. Younger and wealthier respondents give more optimistic assessments at all levels.
The military conflict in the East of the country (53%) tops the list of nationwide problems among respondents. At the same time, at the national level respondents are also concerned about lack of jobs and unemployment (39%), inability to receive quality medical care (36%), low wages and pensions (34%), and bribery and corruption in the courts (31%). Personally, respondents most often consider low wages and pensions to be the biggest problem (50%). Poor-quality healthcare and rising tariffs concern every third respondent. Unemployment, the war in the East, rising prices for basic goods, and inflation concern every fourth respondent, while bribery and corruption in government concern every fifth respondent.
Among local politicians, respondents have the most positive attitudes toward H. Kernes (60% positive, 26% neutral, 13% negative), Y. Svitlychna (44% positive, 26% neutral, 14% negative), and O. Feldman (36% positive, 37% neutral, 15% negative). Toward O. Kucher, 6% have a positive attitude, 26% a neutral one, 14% a negative one, and 54% do not know him. More than 75% of respondents do not know the other politicians.
59% of respondents are dissatisfied with the activities of President Zelenskyy, while 28% are satisfied. 61% are dissatisfied with the activities of Prime Minister D. Shmyhal, 7% are satisfied, and 32% were unable to assess them. 78% are dissatisfied with the work of the Verkhovna Rada, and only 8% are satisfied.
In the ranking of political forces for elections to the regional council, the leaders are the Kernes Bloc “Successful Kharkiv,” which 30.1% of those who have decided and intend to vote are ready to support, and the “Opposition Platform – For Life,” supported by 22.9% of such respondents. The “Servant of the People” party is supported by 12.7%, the Svitlychna bloc “RAZOM!” by 11.5%, “European Solidarity” by 5.9%, the Shariy Party by 4.7%, and the “Batkivshchyna” party by 3.2%. The ratings of other forces are below 3%. About 10% of respondents have not yet decided.
Modeling of elections for the head of the regional state administration showed that 53.5% of those who would take part in such elections and have decided on their preferences would support Y. Svitlychna. O. Feldman would receive 23.1%, O. Kucher 5.7%, and S. Chernov 3.1%. The ratings of other candidates are below 1%. About 18% have not yet decided.

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Social and political sentiments of residents of Dnipro

13.07.2020

The results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of June 20 – July 4, 2020, among residents of Dnipro demonstrated that 34% of respondents are satisfied with the activities of President V. Zelenskyy, while 52% expressed the opposite views. Only 9% are satisfied with the work of Prime Minister D. Shmyhal, 57% are dissatisfied, and 35% were unable to assess his performance. Seven percent are satisfied with the activities of Members of Parliament, while 77% are dissatisfied.
Almost half of respondents were unable to assess the performance of the heads of the oblast council and the oblast state administration. More than one third expressed dissatisfaction with their work, while 13–15% gave them positive assessments.
Fifty-one percent are satisfied with the work of the Mayor of Dnipro, B. Filatov, while 34% are dissatisfied. Assessments of the city council are somewhat worse: 28% are satisfied, 43% are dissatisfied, and 29% were unable to assess its work.
Among urban sectors, residents of Dnipro relatively better assess the work of public transport (43% satisfied, 42% dissatisfied) and educational institutions (30% satisfied, 32% dissatisfied, 38% were unable to assess). Regarding other sectors, residents mostly gave negative evaluations. Thus, 29% are satisfied with the work of municipal utilities and 58% are dissatisfied; with the police, 28% are satisfied and 50% are dissatisfied; with social protection services, 22% are satisfied and 40% are dissatisfied, while 38% were unable to assess. The greatest dissatisfaction was expressed with the work of medical institutions: 18% are satisfied and 68% are dissatisfied.
In the ranking of political forces in elections to the city council, the leaders are the Servant of the People party and the Opposition Platform – For Life party. The ruling party is supported by 24.3% of those who have decided and intend to vote, while the opposition force is supported by 22.4% of such respondents. The Proposition party is supported by 15.9%, Civic Force by 7.4%, European Solidarity by 6.4%, the Shariy Party by 5.3%, and Batkivshchyna by 4.5%. The ratings of other forces are below 3%. The share of undecided respondents is 16–17%.
Among candidates for mayor, the leader in the rating is Borys Filatov, who is supported by 42.6% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections. The ratings of other candidates are significantly lower: 13.3% would vote for O. Vilkul, 13.2% for M. Buzhanskyi, 12.8% for Z. Krasnov, 7.5% for H. Hufman, and 5.0% for I. Kulichenko. The ratings of other candidates are below 3%. The share of undecided respondents is about 11%.

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Social and political sentiments of residents of Lviv region

06.07.2020

The results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of June 6–22, 2020, among residents of Lviv region demonstrated that respondents assess the local situation more positively than the general situation in the region or in the country. Thus, only 14% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 71% hold the opposite view. Twenty-four percent assess the situation in the region as going in the right direction, while 55% assess it as going in the wrong direction. At the same time, 40% of region residents believe that things in their localities are going in the right direction, while 46% hold the opposite view.
The military conflict in the east of the country (59%) and the lack of jobs and unemployment (47%) top the ranking of nationwide problems among respondents. At the same time, about 30% also named low income, corruption, and the coronavirus epidemic as problems. Personally, respondents consider as problems, together with the military conflict (35%) and unemployment (30%), also low wages and pensions (37%). Poor-quality healthcare, corruption, and the epidemic concern every fifth respondent. Unemployment and low income are felt more acutely as problems by residents of smaller settlements.
Among the most pressing problems of their own region, respondents most often named employment problems (43%) and poor-quality medical services (37%). One third identified poor road conditions and poverty as problems, while another quarter mentioned industrial decline, alcoholism, and land theft, and every fifth respondent pointed to the decline of agriculture.
Among national politicians, none has a positive balance of trust. Relatively more residents of the region trust P. Poroshenko: 37% trust him, while 54% do not. Thirty-two percent trust A. Hrytsenko, while 46% do not. V. Zelenskyy is trusted by 29% and not trusted by 59%, while almost the same share trust S. Vakarchuk, 28%, and 51% do not trust him. O. Tiahnybok is trusted by 19% and not trusted by 66%. Only 19% trust I. Smeshko, while 24% do not know him and 42% do not trust him. The highest levels of distrust were expressed toward Y. Tymoshenko (16% trust, 75% do not), O. Liashko (18% and 71%, respectively), and Y. Boiko (5% trust, 69% do not, while 17% do not know him). Over time, trust in P. Poroshenko has slightly increased, while trust in others has not changed significantly.
The leader in the rating of political forces for elections to the Verkhovna Rada is the European Solidarity party, which would be supported by 29.2% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections. Seventeen point one percent would vote for the Servant of the People party. In addition, 9.2% would support the Batkivshchyna party and 9.1% the Holos party. Another 7.2% would support the Civic Position party, 6.0% the Svoboda party, 4.4% the Strength and Honor party, 3.8% the Samopomich party, and 3.4% the Radical Party of Liashko. The ratings of other political forces are below 3%. About 16% remain undecided.
In the rating for elections to the Lviv Region Council, the European Solidarity party also leads, supported by 26.7% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections. Thirteen point one percent would vote for the Servant of the People party. In addition, 9.2% would support the Holos party and 8.9% the Batkivshchyna party. At the same time, 8.2% would vote in local elections for the Samopomich party, 7.8% for the Svoboda party, and 7.6% for the Civic Position party. The Radical Party of Liashko would receive 3.5%, and the Strength and Honor party 3.2%. The ratings of other political forces are below 3%. About 17% have not decided on their choice.

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Ukraine: assessment of the social and political situation

02.07.2020

According to the results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of June 24–28, 2020, 22% of respondents assess the direction in which the country is moving as right, 63% as wrong, and another 15% were unable to answer. Over the past month, a decline in positive assessments of the situation in the country has been observed, from 32% to 22%.
Two thirds of respondents noted a deterioration of Ukraine’s economic situation over the past six months, almost a quarter believe it has not changed, and 9% believe it has improved. Half of respondents reported a deterioration in the economic situation of their own families, almost 40% indicated no changes, and 9% saw an improvement. Over the next six months, about 40% expect a deterioration of the country’s economic situation, 31% expect no changes, and 17% expect an improvement.
Fifty-three percent believe that an economic crisis in the autumn of this year may occur due to the incompetence of the authorities. Thirty-two percent believe that the cause may be the coronavirus, while only 6% believe that the war in Donbas could be the cause.
Among the emotions that best reflect the current state, the most prevalent were disappointment (41%) and hope (30%). They are followed by sadness (15%), fear, anger, confusion, and interest (11% each), joy and indifference (9% each), and surprise (7%).
Thirty-six percent are satisfied with the activities of President Zelenskyy, while 52% are dissatisfied. Twenty-one percent are satisfied with the work of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Razumkov, 51% are dissatisfied, and 28% were unable to assess his work. Satisfaction with the work of the Parliament and the Government is significantly lower. Only 9% positively assessed the activities of the Verkhovna Rada, while 76% assessed them negatively. Nine percent expressed satisfaction with the activities of Prime Minister Shmyhal (56% are dissatisfied, and 36% were unable to assess). Only 8% are satisfied with the work of the Cabinet of Ministers, while 71% are dissatisfied, and every fifth respondent did not answer this question.
The parliamentary rating is led by the Servant of the People party, which would be supported by 29.3% among those who intend to vote and have decided on their choice. The Opposition Platform – For Life party would receive 15.3%, European Solidarity 13.6%, and Batkivshchyna 10.7%. Strength and Honor and the Shariy Party would each receive 3.7%, the Radical Party 3.5%, Holos 3%, Svoboda 2.5%, and the Ukrainian Strategy party 2.2%. About 20% have not decided on their party preferences.
If presidential elections were held in the near future, 34.6% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections would vote for V. Zelenskyy. Eleven point four percent would support P. Poroshenko, 11.2% Y. Boiko, 7.2% Y. Tymoshenko, and 6.7% I. Smeshko. Support for other candidates is below 4%. About 15% remain undecided.

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Social and political sentiments of residents of Mariupol

02.07.2020

The results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of June 20–28, 2020, among residents of Mariupol demonstrated that city residents assess the local situation significantly better than the general situation in the country. Thus, only 16% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 63% hold the opposite opinion. At the same time, 53% assess the situation in the city as going in the right direction, while 28% assess it as going in the wrong direction. Over the past year, assessments of the situation in the country have slightly worsened, while assessments regarding the city have improved.
Fifty-three percent of respondents expressed a definite readiness to participate in local elections if they were held in the near future. Among political forces, the leader is the Boichenko Bloc party, which would be supported by 39.2% of those who have decided and intend to vote. The Opposition Platform – For Life party would receive 26.7% of the vote, the Servant of the People party 9.7%, the Shariy Party 7.4%, and the Opposition Bloc party 5.9%. The rating of other political forces is below 3%. About 10% of respondents remain undecided.
Among candidates for mayor, the leader in the rating is Vadym Boichenko, who is supported by 77.9% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections. The ratings of other candidates are significantly lower: 5.5% would vote for Yu. Ternavskyi, 4.7% for M. Borodin, 3.1% for Yu. Khotlubey, 2.2% for V. Abroskin, and 1% for M. Tkach. The ratings of other candidates are below 1%. The share of undecided respondents is 12–13%.
Renovation of parks and public gardens (60%) and the quality of public transport (51%) are the areas that, in the opinion of respondents, are associated with the greatest successes of the incumbent mayor. Thirty-seven percent consider the renovation of sidewalks and adjacent residential areas to be a success, 32% the quality of roads, 26% the solution of waste collection and disposal problems, and 22% street lighting.
Among housing and communal services problems, city residents are most concerned about water supply issues (30%), the quality of building maintenance services (28%), inter-yard access roads (23%), the condition of elevators (20%), and electricity supply (19%).
A relative majority of city residents, given a choice, would like to work in public service (14%). One in ten would like to work in trade, metallurgy, tourism, construction and repair, while 5–7% would choose employment in catering, education, services, healthcare, the entertainment industry, the IT sector, or farming. Younger respondents aged 18–35 more often expressed a desire to work in public service. Representatives of this age group also more often chose such sectors as catering, services, the entertainment industry, and information technology. At the same time, sectors such as trade, tourism, and construction and repair were chosen both by young respondents and by those in the middle age group.
Half of respondents believe that a sufficient level of monthly salary for living in Mariupol is more than UAH 15,000. One third believe that UAH 10,000 to 15,000 is sufficient. Sixteen percent are willing to receive less than UAH 10,000. The latter group is more common among the oldest respondents, those with lower incomes, and those who are not employed.
Thirty-eight percent indicated that they would like to engage in entrepreneurship. Eight percent stated that they already have their own business. At the same time, half of respondents did not express such a desire. This group is largest among the oldest respondents. By contrast, two thirds of the younger generation are ready to engage in their own business.
Forty-two percent reported that they personally, or their close relatives, had contacted primary healthcare centers (outpatient clinics, polyclinics) over the past year. Among them, the territorial accessibility of medical institutions received the highest evaluations. Respondents also gave positive assessments of the attitude of medical staff toward patients, the condition of premises, and the competence of doctors. The waiting time to see doctors and the effectiveness of treatment were assessed somewhat worse.
One third of respondents reported that they personally, or their close relatives, had sought inpatient hospital care during the past year. Among them, the attitude of doctors toward patients received the highest evaluations. Positive assessments were also given to the attitude of junior medical staff toward patients and the competence of doctors. The effectiveness of treatment and the condition of premises were assessed somewhat worse.

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Social and political sentiments of residents of Kirovohrad region

30.06.2020

The results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of June 1–14, 2020, among residents of Kirovohrad region demonstrated that respondents assess the local situation significantly better than the general situation in the region or in the country. Thus, only 22% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 59% hold the opposite view. Twenty-five percent assess the situation in the region as going in the right direction, while 51% assess it as going in the wrong direction. At the same time, 38% of region residents believe that things in their localities are going in the right direction, while 48% hold the opposite view. Over the past one and a half years, assessments of the situation at all levels have somewhat improved.
Among local politicians, respondents have the most positive attitude toward S. Larin: 25% positive, only 13% negative, 25% neutral, while 37% do not know him. Attitudes toward A. Raikovych are positive among 21%, negative among 10%, neutral among 15%, while 54% do not know him. Toward S. Kuzmenko, 19% have a positive attitude, 8% a negative one, 19% a neutral one, and 55% do not know him. Toward O. Chornoivanenko, 10% have a positive attitude, 6% a negative one, 15% a neutral one, and 69% do not know him. More than 70% of respondents do not know other politicians.
Forty-four percent positively assess the activities of President Zelenskyy, while 44% assess them negatively. Only 15% are satisfied with the work of Prime Minister D. Shmyhal, 48% are dissatisfied, and 37% were unable to assess. Only 13% are satisfied with the Verkhovna Rada, while 73% are dissatisfied. More than one third of respondents were unable to assess the work of the Kirovohrad Regional State Administration and the Regional Council. Satisfaction with the activities of these institutions is at the level of 22–24%, while dissatisfaction is around 40%.
Support for cultural events is the sphere with which respondents are relatively more satisfied (41% satisfied, 47% dissatisfied). Regarding other spheres, respondents more often gave negative assessments. Thus, 59% are dissatisfied with the development of agriculture, while 31% are satisfied. Fifty-two percent are dissatisfied with school education, while 29% are satisfied. About two thirds of respondents are dissatisfied with road conditions, safety of life, environmental conditions, social protection, and support for youth. More than 70% are dissatisfied with industrial development, healthcare, and the fight against corruption at the local level.
The lack of jobs and unemployment (52%) and the military conflict in the east of the country (50%) top the ranking of nationwide problems among respondents. The inability to receive quality medical care, low wages and pensions, and bribery and corruption in government concern about one quarter of respondents.
The ranking of personal problems is led by low wages and pensions (35%) and unemployment (33%). The military conflict in the east and the inability to receive quality medical care are considered personal problems by about one quarter of respondents. Increases in utility tariffs personally concern every fifth respondent.
The leaders in the party rating for elections to the regional council are the Servant of the People party, which would be supported by 31.1% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections. Thirteen point four percent would vote for the Opposition Platform – For Life party, 12.2% for the Batkivshchyna party, 7.0% for European Solidarity, 5.8% for a party led by S. Kuzmenko and A. Raikovych, 5.8% for the Radical Party of Liashko, 3.8% for the Ukrainian Strategy party, 2.9% for the Shariy Party, and 2.1% for the Strength and Honor party. The ratings of other political forces are below 2%. About one quarter remain undecided.

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Social and political sentiments of residents of Oleksandriia

30.06.2020

The results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of June 1–14, 2020, among residents of Oleksandriia demonstrated that city residents assess the local situation significantly better than the general situation in the region or in the country. Thus, only 13% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 65% hold the opposite view. Seventeen percent assess the situation in the city as going in the right direction, while 46% assess it as going in the wrong direction. At the same time, 41% of city residents believe that things in the city are going in the right direction, while 43% hold the opposite view.
Among local politicians, residents have the most positive attitude toward S. Kuzmenko: 60% positive, only 5% negative, and 20% neutral. Attitudes toward S. Larin are positive among 18%, negative among 13%, neutral among 22%, while 48% do not know him. More than 80% of respondents do not know other politicians.
Thirty-eight percent positively assess the activities of President Zelenskyy, while 47% assess them negatively. Only 8% are satisfied with the work of Prime Minister D. Shmyhal, 52% are dissatisfied, and 40% were unable to assess. Only 8% are satisfied with the Verkhovna Rada, while 74% are dissatisfied. More than half of respondents were unable to assess the work of the Kirovohrad Regional State Administration and the Regional Council. Seventeen percent are satisfied with the activities of these institutions, while about one third are dissatisfied.
The lack of jobs and unemployment (61%) and the military conflict in the east of the country (47%) top the ranking of nationwide problems among city residents. The inability to receive quality medical care and low wages and pensions concern one quarter of residents. Bribery and corruption in government, as well as rising crime, are considered nationwide problems by every fifth respondent.
The ranking of personal problems is led by unemployment (43%). The military conflict in the east and low wages and pensions are considered personal problems by about one third of respondents. The inability to receive quality medical care personally concerns every fourth respondent, while increases in utility tariffs concern every fifth.
Sixty percent of respondents are satisfied with the work of the mayor, while 29% are dissatisfied. Thirty-nine percent are satisfied with the city council, while 33% are dissatisfied. Forty-five percent are satisfied with public transport in the city, while 32% are dissatisfied. Satisfaction with the work of educational institutions stands at 35%, dissatisfaction at 37%, while 29% were unable to assess this sphere. Satisfaction with municipal services (housing maintenance offices, urban improvement, lighting, etc.) is at 31%, while dissatisfaction is at 55%. Twenty-four percent are satisfied with the police, while 49% are dissatisfied. Satisfaction with medical institutions stands at 19%, while dissatisfaction reaches 68%.
The cost of utility services (46%) and drug addiction and alcoholism (38%) top the ranking of problems that concern city residents the most. One quarter of respondents are concerned about stray animals on the streets. Every fifth respondent is concerned about corruption in city authorities and the low professional level of medical staff. Eighteen percent are concerned about waste collection and disposal.
The quality of roads (44%) and street lighting (38%) are the areas that, in the opinion of respondents, are associated with the greatest successes of the current mayor. Twenty-seven percent consider the renovation of parks and public gardens to be a success, while 23% point to the solution of waste collection and disposal problems.
The creation of jobs (43%) and improvement of the work of medical institutions (33%), in the opinion of respondents, should become priority tasks for city authorities. Every fifth respondent expects the municipality to combat drug addiction and alcoholism, improve the quality of housing and communal services, and fight corruption, while 18% expect better social protection for low-income groups. Fifteen to sixteen percent expect better performance of educational institutions, attraction of investment to the city, and improved road quality.
Among candidates for mayor, the leaders in the rating are Serhii Kuzmenko, who is supported by 35.1% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections, and Stepan Tsapiuk, who would be supported by 32.9% of such respondents. Six point four percent would support V. Dozhdzhanik, 6.2% S. Kovalenko, and 4.1% Yu. Shkliaruk. The ratings of other candidates are below 3%. About 13% remain undecided.
Modeling of the second round of mayoral elections showed that if the two rating leaders, S. Tsapiuk and S. Kuzmenko, were to advance to the runoff, the latter would win with a result of 48% versus 33%.

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Social and political sentiments of residents of Kropyvnytskyi

30.06.2020

The results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of June 1–14, 2020, among residents of Kropyvnytskyi demonstrated that city residents assess the local situation significantly better than the general situation in the region or in the country. Thus, only 22% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 63% hold the opposite view. Twenty-nine percent assess the situation in the city as going in the right direction, while 50% assess it as going in the wrong direction. At the same time, 43% of city residents believe that things in the city are going in the right direction, while the same share hold the opposite view.
Among local politicians, city residents have the most positive attitude toward A. Raikovych: 49% positive, 23% neutral, and 19% negative. Attitudes toward S. Larin are positive among 36%, negative among 18%, neutral among 25%, while 21% do not know him. Toward S. Kuzmenko, 17% have a positive attitude, 8% a negative one, 24% a neutral one, and 51% do not know him. Toward O. Chornoivanenko, 13% have a positive attitude, 10% a negative one, 21% a neutral one, and 58% do not know him. Toward A. Nikolaienko, 11% have a positive attitude, 13% a negative one, 18% a neutral one, and 59% do not know him. Toward A. Balon, 6% have a positive attitude, 6% a negative one, 18% a neutral one, and 70% do not know him.
Forty-two percent positively assess the activities of President Zelenskyy, while 46% assess them negatively. Sixteen percent are satisfied with the work of Prime Minister D. Shmyhal, 47% are dissatisfied, and 37% were unable to assess. Only 14% are satisfied with the Verkhovna Rada, while 65% are dissatisfied. About one third of respondents were unable to assess the work of the Kirovohrad Regional State Administration and the Regional Council. Satisfaction with the activities of these institutions is at the level of 32–33%, while dissatisfaction is at 36–38%.
The military conflict in the East of the country (52%) and the lack of jobs and unemployment (44%) top the ranking of nationwide problems among city residents. Low wages and pensions, the inability to receive quality medical care, and bribery and corruption in government concern one third of residents. Increases in utility tariffs, an insufficient level of social protection, and rising crime are considered nationwide problems by 12–14% of respondents.
At the same time, the ranking of personal problems is led by low wages and pensions at 40%. Increases in utility tariffs, the inability to receive quality medical care, and the military conflict in the East are considered personal problems by about one third of respondents. Lack of employment, bribery and corruption in government, as well as rising prices for basic goods personally concern about 20% of respondents.
Fifty-five percent of respondents are satisfied with the work of the mayor, while 30% are dissatisfied. Thirty-eight percent are satisfied with the city council, while 41% are dissatisfied. Sixty-one percent are satisfied with public transport in the city, while 29% are dissatisfied; satisfaction with the work of educational institutions stands at 38%, dissatisfaction at 37%, while 26% were unable to assess this sphere. Thirty-two percent are satisfied with the work of the police, while 49% are dissatisfied. Satisfaction with municipal services (housing maintenance offices, urban improvement, lighting, etc.) is at 26%, while dissatisfaction is at 65%. Satisfaction with medical institutions stands at 19%, while dissatisfaction reaches 73%.
Fifty-one percent of respondents believe that during the term of the current mayor the situation in the city has generally improved. Only 7% observed deterioration, while 34% believe it has not changed. Fifty-three percent of respondents noted that the mayor effectively responds to the coronavirus threat in the city, while 19% hold the opposite view. About 40% of respondents spoke of an effective response to the pandemic by city medical institutions and law enforcement agencies.
The cost of utility services (44%) and drug addiction and alcoholism (39%) top the ranking of problems that concern city residents the most. One third of respondents are concerned about stray animals on the streets and corruption in city authorities, while one quarter are concerned about the poor condition of city roads or waste collection and disposal.
The quality of public transport (43%), the quality of roads (34%), and street lighting (24%) are the areas that, in the opinion of respondents, are associated with the greatest successes of the current mayor. Eighteen percent consider the renovation of parks and public gardens to be a success, 14% the repair of sidewalks and adjacent residential areas, and 12% the solution of traffic congestion problems in the city.
Improving the work of medical institutions (42%) and creating jobs (34%) should, in the opinion of respondents, become priority tasks for city authorities. One quarter of respondents expect the municipality to improve the quality of roads, housing and communal services, the work of educational institutions, the fight against corruption, and better social protection for low-income groups.
Among candidates for mayor, the leader in the rating is Andrii Raikovych, who is supported by 38.7% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections. Eighteen point eight percent would support A. Stryzhakov, 12.0% A. Larin, 5.2% O. Tsertii, and 4.1% O. Horbunov. The ratings of other candidates are below 3%. The share of undecided respondents is 14–15%.
Modeling of the second round of mayoral elections showed that if A. Raikovych were to advance to the runoff against other potential candidates, the incumbent mayor would win. In a pair with A. Stryzhakov, the result would be 45% versus 30%, and in a pair with O. Horbunov, 52% versus 14%. At the same time, it should be taken into account that from one quarter to one third of respondents have not yet decided on their choice or do not want to participate in voting in the indicated runoff combinations.
Assessment of the chances of different candidates demonstrated that 53% of respondents, when choosing a city mayor, could support the incumbent mayor. Thirty-seven percent could support a self-nominated candidate, while 36% would not. Thirty-five percent could support a candidate nominated by a local party, while 37% would not. Thirty-one percent could support a candidate nominated by the Servant of the People party, while 52% would not.

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Social and political sentiments of residents of Odesa

17.06.2020

The results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of May 29 – June 2, 2020, among residents of Odesa demonstrated that city residents assess the local situation significantly better than the general situation in the country. Thus, only 29% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 59% hold the opposite view. At the same time, 49% assess the situation in the city as going in the right direction, while 41% assess it as going in the wrong direction.
Residents of Odesa are more satisfied with the activities of local authorities than with those of the central government. Fifty-six percent of respondents are satisfied with the activities of the Mayor of Odesa, H. Trukhanov, while 31% are dissatisfied. Forty-four percent said they are satisfied with the work of President V. Zelenskyy, while 48% expressed the opposite assessments.
Among local politicians, residents of Odesa have the most positive attitude toward H. Trukhanov: 60% positive, 28% negative, and 11% were unable to assess. Attitudes toward S. Kivalov are positive among 36%, negative among 41%, 10% do not know him, and 13% were unable to assess. Toward M. Saakashvili, 28% have a positive attitude, 51% a negative one, 17% were unable to assess, and only 5% do not know him. Toward M. Skoryk, 27% have a positive attitude, 23% a negative one, 38% do not know him, and 12% hesitated with their assessment. Toward S. Hrynevetskyi, 26% have a positive attitude, 17% a negative one, 43% do not know him, and 14% were unable to assess. Toward E. Hurvits, 25% have a positive attitude, 46% a negative one, 16% do not know him, and 14% hesitated with their assessment. Toward D. Spivak, 21% have a positive attitude, 13% a negative one, 54% do not know him, and 12% hesitated with their assessment. Toward A. Kivan, 17% have a positive attitude, 32% a negative one, 36% do not know him, and 15% were unable to assess at all. Toward A. Kisse, 13% have a positive attitude, 24% a negative one, 48% do not know him, and 14% hesitated with their assessment. More than 70% of respondents do not know other politicians.
Among candidates for mayor, the leader in the rating is H. Trukhanov, who would be supported by 48.7% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections. Thirteen point seven percent would support M. Saakashvili, 8.5% S. Kivalov, 7.0% O. Leonov, 5.3% D. Spivak, 5.1% T. Plachkova, and 4.1% E. Hurvits. The ratings of other candidates are below 3%.
Modeling of the second round of mayoral elections showed that if H. Trukhanov were to advance to the runoff against any of the other potential candidates, the incumbent mayor would win. In a pair with O. Leonov, the result would be 60% versus 18%; with T. Plachkova, 61% versus 14%; with M. Saakashvili, 59% versus 22%; and with D. Spivak, 57% versus 17%. At the same time, it should be taken into account that up to one quarter of respondents have not yet decided on their choice or do not want to participate in voting in the indicated runoff combinations.
Fifty-nine percent of respondents believe that the new Odesa City Council should consist of experienced deputies and managers. At the same time, 23% want new faces to come to power. Demand for new faces is higher among younger and more affluent respondents.
Fifty-two percent of respondents, when choosing a mayor, would rather support a candidate who proposes to solve the city’s current problems, while 33% are ready to vote for a candidate who would propose a development strategy for Odesa. The latter position is more common among affluent respondents. Fifty-seven percent expect a mayoral candidate primarily to take care of socially vulnerable groups, while 26% want support for business development. The latter demand is higher among respondents aged 30–49 and those with medium and high income.
Fifty-six percent of respondents noted that they usually receive information about events in the city from online news websites. Forty-four percent receive information from television and the same share from social media. Twenty-six percent get information from groups and channels in messengers, and 20% from relatives and acquaintances. Only 11% receive information from newspapers and 9% from radio. Online resources and social media are used more often by respondents in younger and middle age groups, while television, newspapers, and radio are used more often by older respondents. At the same time, at least 40% of the latter read online news websites, and one quarter use social media.

Press

One year of President Zelenskyy: public assessments

18.05.2020

According to the results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of May 12–13, 2020, one third of the population assess the direction in which the country is moving as right, while half assess it as wrong, and another 17% were unable to answer. Younger respondents, supporters of President Zelenskyy, and supporters of the Servant of the People party assess the situation more positively.
Thirty-five percent believe that the coronavirus situation in Ukraine is currently improving, the same share believe that it is not changing, and 17% see a deterioration. Over the past two weeks, the share of those who say that the coronavirus situation is worsening has decreased almost threefold, from 44% to 17%.
The trust rating among politicians is led by V. Zelenskyy, whom 57% of citizens trust and 37% do not trust. More than one third of respondents were unable to assess their level of trust in politicians D. Razumkov and D. Shmyhal. Overall, 25% trust D. Razumkov and 33% do not, while only 14% trust the incumbent Prime Minister and 39% do not. Distrust clearly prevails toward all other politicians: Y. Boiko is trusted by 25% and not trusted by 57%, S. Vakarchuk by 24% and 61%, Y. Tymoshenko by 22% and 72%, and P. Poroshenko by 20% and 76%.
The parliamentary rating is led by the Servant of the People party, which would be supported by 34% among those who intend to vote and have decided on their choice. The Opposition Platform – For Life party would receive 15.1%, European Solidarity 14.0%, Batkivshchyna 9.2%, Strength and Honor 4.7%, and the Radical Party 4.0%. About 3% each are ready to support the Shariy Party, Groysman’s Ukrainian Strategy, Svoboda, and Holos.
If presidential elections were held in the near future, 39.3% would vote for V. Zelenskyy among those who intend to vote and have decided on their choice. Thirteen point nine percent would support Y. Boiko, 13.3% P. Poroshenko, 8.6% Y. Tymoshenko, and 5.9% I. Smeshko. Support for other candidates is below 5%. About 8% remain undecided. Almost as a year ago, if V. Zelenskyy and P. Poroshenko were to advance to the second round today, 75% of voters would support the incumbent President and 25% would vote for P. Poroshenko. Similar results would be observed if Y. Boiko and Y. Tymoshenko advanced to the second round.
Overall, among all presidents of independent Ukraine, 20% consider L. Kuchma to have been the best. Sixteen percent believe that V. Zelenskyy is the best president, 13% consider L. Kravchuk the best, 12% P. Poroshenko, 9% V. Yanukovych, and only 6% V. Yushchenko. At the same time, 14% said that none of them was the best, and another 10% were unable to answer. Residents of the southern and eastern regions more often chose L. Kuchma and V. Yanukovych, while residents of the western and central regions more often chose P. Poroshenko. V. Zelenskyy was more often chosen by younger respondents, and L. Kravchuk by older respondents.
Respondents relatively more often characterized the periods of the presidencies of L. Kuchma and V. Zelenskyy as eras of development in Ukraine. The years of V. Yushchenko’s presidency were more often described as stagnation, while the periods of V. Yanukovych’s and P. Poroshenko’s presidencies were described as decline. Assessments on this scale show clear regional differences: residents of the East and South more often gave negative assessments when speaking about the presidencies of V. Yushchenko and P. Poroshenko, while residents of the West and Center more often assessed the presidency of V. Yanukovych as a period of decline.
One third of respondents assess the first year of President Zelenskyy’s presidency as excellent or good, almost 40% as satisfactory, and about one third as unsatisfactory or terrible. Relatively worse assessments were given by respondents from the East, residents of cities, older respondents, and voters of P. Poroshenko and Y. Boiko. At the same time, youth and residents of the South, Center, and West gave relatively better assessments.
The release of prisoners and hostages, as well as the fight against coronavirus, are the areas in which respondents gave the highest assessments for the first year of President Zelenskyy.
Relatively average assessments were given to such areas as national unity, international policy, strengthening defense capabilities, social protection of the population, renewal of personnel in government, and education reform.
At the same time, respondents assessed most negatively the reduction of oligarchs’ influence on politics, land and healthcare reforms, the fight against corruption, economic development, and the ceasefire in Donbas. Poor assessments across various areas were most often given by supporters of Y. Boiko and P. Poroshenko. At the same time, in such areas as the fight against corruption, healthcare and land reforms, and reducing the influence of oligarchs on politics, negative assessments were also given by no fewer than one third of supporters of the incumbent Head of State.

Press

Ukraine under quarantine: monitoring of public sentiments

28.04.2020

According to the results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of April 24–25, 2020, 68% frequently follow news about the coronavirus, 19% do so occasionally, and 9% rarely. Five percent are not interested in such news at all. Older respondents, women, and less affluent respondents follow coronavirus news more often.
Forty-three percent of Ukrainians believe that the coronavirus situation in Ukraine is deteriorating, while 33% believe it is not changing. Only 15% believe that the situation is improving. The more often people follow the news, the stronger their belief that the coronavirus situation is worsening.
Sixty-one percent of respondents assess the measures introduced by the authorities to combat the coronavirus as optimal. Fourteen percent consider them too strict, while 16% consider them too lenient. Over the past two weeks, these indicators have not changed; however, over the past month, the share of respondents who consider the authorities’ actions to be too lenient has almost halved. Residents of the East, men, younger respondents, and those who follow coronavirus news less often or not at all more frequently assess the restrictive measures as too strict.
Despite quarantine, 29% of respondents reported leaving home several times a day, while 23% leave home once a day. At the same time, 37% stated that they go out only once every few days, and 11% try not to leave home at all. Over the past two weeks, the number of those who leave home more often has noticeably increased, in particular the share of respondents who go out several times a day rose from 19% to 29%. Women, the oldest respondents, and the poorest respondents stay at home more often. At the same time, the less respondents watch the news, the more often they leave home during quarantine.
Forty-nine percent stated that the quality of state medical services over the past two years has rather deteriorated. Thirty-three percent believe it has remained at the same level, and only 12% have seen improvement. Over the past year, the share of those who report deterioration in medical services has increased from 37% to 49%. Deterioration is more often reported by residents of the South and East, older and poorer respondents, as well as women.
Forty-three percent stated that the quality of state medical services over the past six months has remained at the same level. Thirty-three percent believe it has rather deteriorated, while 11% believe it has rather improved. Over time, the share of those giving positive assessments of the quality of medical services over six months has decreased.
Among healthcare sector leaders, 41% trust the Chief Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine, Viktor Liashko, while 31% do not trust him, and 19% do not know him. Twenty-five percent trust the current Minister of Health, Maksym Stepanov, while 26% do not trust him, and 38% do not know him. As for former Ministers of Health, 19% trust Ulana Suprun and 63% do not, while 13% do not know her; 16% trust Illia Yemets and 33% do not, while 41% do not know him; 13% trust Zoriana Skaletska and 39% do not, while 41% do not know her.
Three quarters of respondents plan to stay at home during the May holidays. Seventeen percent intend to do household work, 8% plan to visit relatives or close ones, 5% plan to spend time with friends or acquaintances, and 1% plan to travel within the country. A desire to do household work was more often expressed by residents of the West and Center and by rural residents. Visiting relatives and close ones is more common among younger respondents, men, and more affluent respondents.

Press

Socio-political attitudes among residents of Rivne

28.04.2020

The results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of March 13–21, 2020, among residents of Rivne demonstrated that 32% of respondents assess the direction of affairs in the city as right, while 44% assess it as wrong. The direction of development in Ukraine is assessed more negatively: 27% consider it right and 51% wrong. In dynamics, compared to the post-election period, pessimistic sentiments regarding the development of both the country and the city have intensified. Optimism prevails among younger and more affluent residents. Regarding the development of the country, voters of the Servant of the People party assess it relatively better, while voters of European Solidarity and the Opposition Platform – For Life assess it the worst. Regarding the state of local affairs, optimists are relatively more common among voters of the Servant of the People and European Solidarity parties, while pessimists are more common among supporters of Svoboda, Batkivshchyna, and the Opposition Platform – For Life parties.
Almost 40% of respondents are satisfied with the work of the Mayor of Rivne, while 48% are dissatisfied; satisfaction with the city council stands at 36%, while dissatisfaction reaches 44%. The work of public transport received the best assessments: 62% are satisfied and 30% dissatisfied. Almost half of respondents are satisfied with educational institutions, while 27% are dissatisfied. Satisfaction with municipal services stands at 41%, dissatisfaction at 51%. Medical institutions are positively assessed by 36% and negatively by 52%.
Sixty-six percent reported a definite readiness to participate in possible elections to the Verkhovna Rada. The leader of electoral preferences is the Servant of the People party, which would be supported by 36.1% of those who have decided and intend to vote. European Solidarity would receive 14.7%, the Opposition Platform – For Life 8.2%, Strength and Honor 6.5%, Svoboda 6.0%, Batkivshchyna 5.8%, and Holos 4.5%. The ratings of other parties are below 4%. At the same time, almost one quarter of respondents remain undecided.
Among respondents, there is a high demand for a mayoral candidate with significant experience in municipal governance. Eighty percent would like the mayor to be more of a manager than a politician. Voters are more likely to prefer a candidate who is a strong personality, regardless of party affiliation. Party branding is clearly important only for every fifth voter.
At this stage, 44% would rather vote for a candidate who supports the course of President Zelenskyy, while 24% would vote for an opposition candidate. The latter are most concentrated among supporters of European Solidarity and Svoboda.
City residents believe that the priority tasks for the authorities should primarily concern medical institutions (44%) and the quality of housing and communal services (35%). Another 27% consider job creation and road quality important, while 20–22% point to educational institutions and the fight against corruption. Fourteen to seventeen percent identify social protection of low-income groups, waste collection and disposal, the quality of public transport, and attracting investment to the city as priorities.
Respondents consider the military conflict in the East to be the most important problem for the country. At the same time, in the ranking of personal problems for city residents, the most important issue is low income, followed by the military conflict and rising utility tariffs.
The biggest problem of the city, according to residents, is the cost of utility services (52%). About 27% identified poor road conditions, corruption in government, alcoholism, and drug addiction as problems, 23% pointed to waste collection, and about 15–17% chose stray animals on the streets and the low professional level of medical staff. Overall, socio-economic problems such as low wages and pensions and rising tariffs are felt more acutely by older and less affluent residents.
Fifty-four percent consider the coronavirus to be a real threat personally to themselves and their families, while 39% believe it does not threaten them. Fear of the virus is more prevalent among women and older respondents, and somewhat more often among those who have young children.

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