You're reading: Poll finds most Russians believe country in economic crisis

The proportion of Russians talking of an economic crisis in their country has risen to 72% from 68% in August, according to the Public Opinion foundation.

Fifteen per cent said there is no crisis in Russia (17% in August), while 12% of respondents could not answer, according to the findings of a poll conducted among 1,500 respondents in 104 towns in 53 Russian regions on November 21-22.

Of those talking of the crisis, 41% see it manifested in the increase in prices and inflation; 22% in falling living standards, low wages and pensions; and 16%, in unemployment and job cuts.

When describing their financial situation, 38% Russians said they have enough money for clothes but not for major household appliances; 27% have money for food but not for clothes.

The share of people with not enough money for food is 14% now and was 9% in August.

Yet another 17% of Russians have money for household appliances, but not enough to buy a car. Those can afford to buy a car account for 5%.

Overall, two-thirds of respondents (61%) have rated their financial situation as average (65% in August) and about one-third (31%) as bad (24% in August). That their finances are good was claimed by 7% of respondents (9% in August).

According to 34% of Russians, next year their financial situation will remain practically unchanged. Twelve per cent believe things will improve, 30% are pessimistic, and 23% could not make any prediction.