One in three Belarusians satisfied with official policies, fear seen as factor – survey

December 13, BPN. More Belarusians started to trust the government in 2022, says a recent survey by Filip Bikanaŭ’s team of independent Belarusian sociologists, conducted with support from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

The team interviewed 1.279 urban residents over 18 online from August 12 to September 6.

One in three respondents said they were satisfied with government policies, 42 percent were not satisfied, and 24 percent had difficulties answering.

The sociologists classified 21 percent of respondents as “strongly opposed to the government”; 30 percent, as “moderately opposed”; 41 percent, as “moderately supportive”; and 9 percent, as “strongly supportive.”

The survey reflects the continuing social conflict between two groups with opposing views, the sociologists concluded.

They also noted “a significant shift toward satisfaction” with government policies, with strong dissatisfaction falling by 9 percent compared to 2021.

The trend may be partially attributed to fear, which prompts people to unconsciously give safe answers, the sociologists warned.