Over half of Moldovans unhappy about economic situation - poll

CHISINAU. Dec 10 (Interfax) - Over half of Moldovan citizens, 55%, negatively view the economic situation in the country and do not expect any improvement, as seen from a public opinion poll whose findings the Imas sociological service published on Wednesday.

The poll showed that 55% of respondents rated the economic situation in Moldova at 1 to 4 points on a 10-point scale, 27% at 5 or 6, 12% at 7 or 8, and only 3% at 9 or 10.

As many as 22% of those polled said they believed the economic situation in Moldova had deteriorated drastically over the past year, 21% that it deteriorated slightly, 31% that it did not change, and 18% that it improved. Asked about their expectations, 27% said they expected the economic situation to worsen within a year, 27% do not expect any changes, a quarter assumed it would slightly improve, and 3% believe it would improve considerably.

Asked to recount problems they see as the most pressing ones, 84% mentioned high prices, 82% corruption, 79% migration, 76% poverty, 70% disinformation, 64% polarization in society, 62% social injustice, and 61% social tension, Imas said.

The poll found that 54% of respondents are unhappy with "how democracy works in Moldova," giving from 1 to 4 points, another 22% rated it at 5 or 6, 14% at 7 or 8, and only 7% gave it the highest marks.