These are the results of the all-Russian representative opinion poll conducted by the Public Opinion foundation in 100 settlements of 44 regions, territories and republics of Russia. Respondents were interviewed on February 5-6, 2005 at their place of residence, and 600 Muscovites were additionally polled. Statistical error does not exceed 3.6%.
The abovementioned dynamics of public opinion is particularly obvious among benefit users. Two weeks ago, the reform was supported by 29% of them, and now 38% (the number of opponents has decreased from 59% to 50%).
Interestingly, the number of Mr. Putin's supporters speaking in favor of the benefit reform has increased from 34% to 42%. Conversely, the number of benefit reform critics among those who distrust Mr. Putin or trust him to a certain degree has considerably decreased, while the number of those who found it difficult to assess the reform increased 7%.
Over this period of time, the number of reform opponents has drastically decreased (by 10%) among people over 55 with low incomes. Meanwhile, the number of those who were positive about the reform in this category of respondents has remained almost unchanged, and the number of those who found it difficult to answer increased dramatically.
