Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 119

Dated May 09-15, 2010

Zone 3- EURO-AMERICAS

EAST EUROPE

Politics »Political Perceptions

Ukrainians Have Patience with New Government

More than a third of people in Ukraine believe their new national administration needs time to deal with the country’s problems, according to a poll by Research & Branding Group. 37.8 % of respondents think it will take more than two years to improve the current situation.

May 10, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

President, PM Still Very Popular in Russia

Many Russian adults are content with their prime minister, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. 78 % of respondents approve of Vladimir Putin’s performance.

May 09, 2010

WEST EUROPE

Politics » Approval Ratings

Sarkozy Gains Three Points in France

Public support for Nicolas Sarkozy improved slightly in France, according to a poll by CSA published in Le Parisien. 37 % of respondents have confidence in their president to face the country’s problems, up three points since April.

May 13, 2010

NORTH AMERICA

Politics » Approval Ratings

Obama Approval Continues to Show Party, Age, Race Gaps

US President Barack Obama's approval ratings remain polarized by political party and race, and continue to show a significant gap between younger and older Americans. Gallup USA

May 11, 2010

Society » Communication/Media

Americans Reject Censorship in South Park

Many adults in the United States believe the animated sitcom South Park should be allowed to feature any images they want, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 51 % of respondents agree with this view, while 28 % believe South Park should not feature any images that may offend specific religions.

May 15, 2010

Society » Immigration

Americans Value Both Aspects of Immigration Reform

As President Obama and Congress consider whether and how to go forward with comprehensive immigration reform in an election year, a new USA Today/Gallup poll finds Americans placing about equal importance on the two sides of the immigration-policy coin; controlling the further inflow and dealing with the already present illegal immigrants.

May 4, 2010

Society » Immigration

Public Supports Arizona Immigration Law

The US public broadly supports a new Arizona law aimed at dealing with illegal immigration and the law's provisions giving police increased powers to stop and detain people who are suspected of being in the country illegally. Pew Research Center

May 12, 2010

Society » Environment

Oil Spill Seen As Ecological Disaster

A majority of Americans see the massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico as a major environmental disaster, but nearly as many voice optimism that efforts to control the spill will succeed. Pew Research Center

May 11, 2010

Society » Health Issues

The New Normal on Abortion: Americans More "Pro-Life"

The conservative shift in Americans' views on abortion that Gallup first recorded a year ago has carried over into 2010. Slightly more Americans call themselves "pro-life" than "pro-choice," 47% vs. 45%, according to a May 3-6 Gallup poll. This is nearly identical to the 47% to 46% division found last July following a more strongly pro-life advantage of 51% to 42% last May.

May 14, 2010

Economy » Economic Perceptions

"Jobs" Drops to No. 2 on Americans' List of Top Problems

After two months as the clear No. 1 perceived problem facing the country, US unemployment/jobs dipped to No. 2 in May, while "the economy" in general moved back into the top position. At the same time, Americans grew more likely to name immigration (including illegal immigration) as the nation's most important problem, moving that issue into fifth place. Gallup USA

May 12, 2010

Economy » Economic Perceptions

Economic Confidence Remains at High for the Year

Despite the financial crisis in Greece and the European Union, extreme stock market volatility, and the surging price of gold, Americans' economic confidence remains at its best level of the year in early May. Gallup's Economic Confidence Index is at -22 for the week ending May 9 -- matching its April level and representing an improvement of 8 % points compared with March.

May 13, 2010

Economy » Economic Perceptions

U.S. Wellbeing Ties Highest Level Recorded

Americans' wellbeing score climbed to 67.0 in April, the highest level so far in 2010 and tying the all-time high scores found in August 2009 and February 2008 for this measure initiated in January 2008. The April Well-Being Index score is an improvement from the 65.8 in April 2009 and the 66.7 in April 2008.

May 13, 2010

Politics » Political Institutions

Congress Holds Healthcare Bump, Save for Independents

In the US Democrats continue to rate Congress more favorably than before it passed healthcare reform, but independents' ratings have retreated to their pre-healthcare low of 13%. Democrats and Republicans are relatively steady compared with last month, at 38% and 10%, respectively. Gallup USA

May 14, 2010

Security/IR » Terrorism

55% Not Very Concerned About Being Terror Victim

A majority of likely US voters say they are not very concerned or not at all concerned that they or a family member could be the victim of a terrorist attack. The Zogby Interactive poll also found 50% would support increasing federal homeland security funding to New York City, even if that meant their community might see a decrease in such spending.

May 13, 2010

Security/IR » Terrorism

Almost Half of Canadians OK Khadr’s Gitmo Trial

More people in Canada believe Omar Khadr should face trial by military commission in Guantanamo Bay, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 46 % of respondents agree with this course of action, up six points since February.

May 14, 2010

LATIN AMERICA

Politics » Approval Ratings

Serra Leads Rouseff, Run-Off Imminent in Brazil

Jose Serra of the Brazilian Party of Social Democracy (PSDB) is ahead in the South American country’s presidential race, according to a poll by Ibope. 36 % of respondents would vote for Serra in this year’s election.

May 11, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

President García Keeps Low Numbers in Peru

Less than a third of Peruvians are satisfied with the way their president is doing his job, according to a poll by CPI. 27.3 % of respondents approve of Alan García’s performance as president.

May 14, 2010

AUSTRALASIA

Politics » Approval Ratings

Australian Coalition Pushes Labor to Second Place

Australia’s governing party is now trailing its conservative opponents, according to a poll by Newspoll published in The Australian. 43 % of respondents would vote for the opposition Coalition of Liberals and National, up three points since mid-April.

May 15, 2010

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The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.