OREANDA-NEWS. October 11, 2010. Two fifths or 40% of Latvian population in one year's time would like to see their country less corrupt than now, whereas two thirds - more prosperous and solvent. It was revealed in the newest "DnB NORD Latvian barometer" survey that was presented on September 27th, just few days before the Parliament elections, reported the press-centre of DnB NORD.

By asking the regular scope of questions "DnB NORD Latvian barometer" found out that by one per cent point has augmented the number of people who believe that the economic situation in the country is gradually improving, and by five per cent points - up to 53% has elevated the number of respondents who consider the economic situation unchanged. Yet, the number of respondents in whose opinion the situation deteriorates over the last month has dropped by five per cent points - from 35% to 30%. As the result the index to assess changes in the overall economic situation since the beginning of the year has ascended from -52 up to -19.

That said, the assessment of the current economic situation over the month has slightly dropped – by three per cent points (38%) has grown the number of respondents who believe that the situation is extremely bad, and therefore the overall assessment index also has shrunk as compared to July. Anyway, it is higher than over the string of the precedent months of the year.

When asked to assess the financial standings of their respective families, in August has slightly elevated the number of people who consider the situation good, yet similar increase applies also to the category that describes the material standings within the family as bad. Similar trend is observable also with regard to the expected changes in financial standings over the next 12 months.

At the same time in the newest "DnB NORD Latvian barometer" has slightly improved assessment of the government - by three per cent points (from 13% to 16%), and by the exactly the same number has decreased the proportion of those who criticize its performance. Similar positive changes are displayed also with regard to the question whether the overall situation across the country is developing in the right direction.

"The survey reveals some discrepancies in the population's opinion on the social and economic situation in the country. On the one hand, the respondents are optimistic and believe that the overall situation is moving in the right direction. In turn, on the other hand, the public opinion on the current situation in Latvian economy has deteriorated, and forecasts also have become a bit more pessimistic. By and large it implies that the current rhetoric of the government that manipulates with the statistic information on the alleged recovery has not yet found its reflection on the people's income," says the associated professor of BA School of Business and Finances Janis Grasis.

To further identify the public opinion on current developments and shortly expected changes "DnB NORD Latvian barometer" in its second part this time asked for comments on considerations underlying the people's choice in the Parliament elections and what does the general public expect from it. 

Interestingly that close to one half (46%) of respondents emphasize that this time their choice of party has changed, i.e. they are not going to vote for the previously supported parties. 17% and 15%, respectively, have noted that they would like to see different personalities as the Parliament members and have been disappointed with their former choice. In turn, 4% will prefer another political force, since their former favourites have merged with another force, whose beliefs and rhetoric seems unacceptable to the voters. One fourth of the population either still are uncertain whether to vote for the same political force as before or not. Curiously enough, that 11% of the public to vote for the same political force as before have chosen this approach for reasons other than sympathizing with their leaders, policies or principles, i.e. just due to absence of any other "better" forces.   

However, the Director of "SKDS" Public Opinion Survey Center Arnis Kaktins is rather sceptical about such changes in the opinion of voters: "Ratings of the parties imply that the sympathies' shifts to considerable extent are confined within the boundaries of the same "old" parties. At least for now it looks like that the total result - both the composition of parties and personalities will be the same or similar enough to deeply disappoint those who are voting for changes. Moreover, how such disappointment is manifested in the real life and what is its impact on the country and its population we already observed over the last parliamentary elections. Also back then the polls signalled that the majority of citizens want changes and were voting in their favour, yet the technical result of the elections revealed that votes were distributed among the same politicians and the leading coalition not only persisted, but was also convinced that it is acting on the voters' will and has found the credence of the voters. Of course, it was not the case, and that was why in 2008 we found ourselves in a deep depression of credibility gap that could not be deeper."  

"DnB NORD Latvian barometer" also found out that in the public opinion the Parliament members of the 10th convocation in developing the state budged for the next your should focus on healthcare (60%), economics, including promotion of exports (57%), and social issues (43%). With 35%, 33%, and 26%, respectively, follow fiscal and tax policies, education and agriculture, while considerably less respondents as priorities have regarded arrangement of infrastructure, interior, foreign affairs and defence, the system of justice, culture etc. areas.  

When considering the welfare outlooks over the next four years 19% predict that during this period we will gradually recover from the downturn, and at the same time equal number of population expect further decrease in income due to repayment of the state debt, potentially growing taxes or heavy momentum of the current recession. 29% of respondents note that it is difficult to project further development, as many things depend on people who will come into power, and another 16% assert that four years is too short a period to expect considerable changes.

When asked what to do to build up the confidence in the state and politicians among the population 43% have pointed out to lessening of the corruption, 32% - to launching of control over the politic promises, and an equal number – 28% of all respondents emphasize target-oriented performance to improve the situation in economics and red-tape removal in all areas. 32% in total have stressed communication problems between the authorities and the general public - insufficient hearing out of the public sentiments and absent explanation of made decisions.  In turn, 39% of respondents have noted that their confidence in the government would be reinforced by growing wages and pensions, and that of another 24% - by dismissal of oligarchs.

At last, when asked whether they would support privatization of major state-owned companies on condition that it could potentially contribute to saving of Latvian economy and retention of pensions, allowances and other payments at the current level in favour of such step would be no more than one fourth of all population. Another 59% would decline in order to preclude the situation when oligarchs or foreign companies exert too considerable influence on strategic areas, private owners ruin the companies, or - they are not confident that the state would get fair price as the result of such sale. 

DnB NORD Latvian Barometer has become a recognized monthly sociological survey and is performed nationwide every month. It studies the current developments in a certain socially important field. Furthermore, each time society is asked to answer a set of permanent questions, which on a monthly basis reflect changes in general public sentiments.