Almost two-thirds of Belarusians concerned about economy – poll

December 14, BPN. Sixty-three percent of Belarusians said the economic situation had changed for the worse over the past 12 months, a recent BEROC poll showed.

A total of 992 urban residents aged 18-64 were interviewed in the online poll.

A quarter of respondents said the economic situation was much worse and 38 percent, “somewhat worse,” while only 12 percent noted improvements.

The think tank stressed, however, more Belarusians were optimistic compared to previous surveys. In August, eight percent of respondents noted improvements and 66 percent, deterioration; in April, five percent and 70 percent, respectively.

The survey also showed rising optimism despite the continuing uncertainty with 17 percent expecting improvements in the next 12 months and 35 percent expressing pessimism (16 percent and 39 percent in August).

Many Belarusians are pessimistic about their personal financial situation: 47 percent said it was worse than a year ago, while only 14 percent noted improvements (51 percent and 11 percent, respectively, in August).