Want to know the truth about what worries Russians the most?

Russians expressed discontent with inflation, poverty and rising unemployment rates, according to new data released by the Moscow-based Levada Center on Aug. 31.

The majority of respondents – 61 percent – said they’re most concerned with rising prices for basic consumer goods, which began in 2014 when Russia was hit by the ruble devaluation and the economic slowdown. However, the number of those who consider inflation a major worry has dropped 10 percentile points since 2016, which is a good sign. This is not that much of a surprise, however, because data shows that Russia’s annual inflation rate has stabilized. 

Still, a significant number of respondents point to the rise in poverty and unemployment, corruption and the downturn in industrial and agricultural production as major reasons for concern. These are the issues that the public faces every day, so it’s understandable that they appear in respondents’ replies most often, Levada Center expert Karina Pipiya told RBC. 

Other issues such as sanctions, migration, an inefficient and unjust court system, rising crime and nationalism – were less frequently mentioned by respondents. Only 4 percent said they’re concerned by the lack of political pluralism and civil liberties.

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