Moscow - Almost two-thirds of Russian citizens (62 percent) think that the country is going through an economic crisis, although it has had no effect on their finances as of yet, the Public Opinion Foundation has said.
The crisis mainly manifests itself in Moscow (70 percent) and cities with a population of 50,000 to 250,000 (71 percent), according to 1,500 respondents polled in 100 populated localities in 43 regions on January 10-11.
Respondents who believe the country is in crisis mostly mentioned growing prices and inflation (40 percent), lower living standards (12 percent), unemployment, redundancy and economic recession (6 percent) and declining oil prices (2 percent). Ten percent pointed to the weakening ruble against the euro and the dollar.
Three percent of the respondents mentioned foreign policy problems (the economic siege, disrupted cooperation with other countries and the effect of sanctions) amongst other symptoms of the economic crisis.
Another poll held by the Public Opinion Foundation in 43 regions on December 28 showed that 58 percent declared their financial position over the past six months as invariable. Nearly a third (32 percent) said the situation had gotten worse and 9 percent claimed an improvement.
Some 39 percent of respondents hoped for a stable financial position for their families in the upcoming six months. Over a quarter (28 percent) believes their position will worsen and 12 percent hope for an improvement.
