Half of Russians expect further economic decline

As many as 48% of the Russians expect even bigger economic problems for their country. This is 8% more than in July and 17% more than in May, say the results of a survey by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center VCIOM.

The Center’s question was “Are the hardest times now, are they behind or are they ahead?” Only 19% believe that the hardest times are behind (against 33% in May-Sept) and only 23% think that the hardest times are now (against 28% in May).

The survey was held Sept 26-27 among 1,600 people from 130 settlements in 46 regions.

According to EADaily, while speaking at the 7th “Russia Calling!” Investment Forum on Oct 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the hardest times were over. “Our economy is getting used to the changes. Many sectors, except agriculture, are still on decline but things are getting more stable. Processing is gradually reviving. Now that we are forced to get accustomed to lower oil and gas prices, some of our sectors, like machine building, agriculture and processing, are facing new opportunities,” Putin said.