Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 117

Dated 25 April- 1 May, 2010

Zone 3- EURO-AMERICAS

EAST EUROPE

No Party Able to Compete with United Russia

Russia’s governing party remains remarkably popular, according to a poll by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 52 per cent of respondents would vote for United Russia (YR) in the next legislative ballot.

April 27, 2010

WEST EUROPE

Tories Lead Lib-Dems, Labour Third in Britain

The Conservative party is once again ahead of its rivals in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion published in The Economist. 33 per cent of respondents would support the Tories in next week’s General Election.

April 30, 2010

Just a Third of Britons Back Mission in Afghanistan

Public support for the military deployment in Afghanistan has fallen this month in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 32 per cent of respondents back the operation involving UK soldiers, down six points since February.

April 25, 2010

Millions of UK Consumers Punish Businesses Who Don’t Treat Workers Fairly

Within the committed Fairtrade consumer sector, more than two thirds say they will always or often punish companies for not being socially responsible and nearly a third of mainstream consumers are likely to reward companies for being socially responsible.

May 1 2010

British Sense of Fair Play Helps Workers in the Developing World

Britons overwhelmingly expect fair pay and fair treatment for workers in developing countries, and the vast majority, 86%, feel a personal responsibility to ensure workers are fairly compensated. Within the committed consumer sector, almost nine in ten people believe they can make a difference through their own shopping choices.

May 1 2010

President Sarkozy Keeps Dropping in France

The popularity of Nicolas Sarkozy continues to erode in France, according to a poll by CSA published in Le Parisien. 34 per cent of respondents have confidence in their president to face the country’s problems, down two points since March.

April 27, 2010

NORTH AMERICA

How Americans Interact with Government Online

As government agencies at all levels bring their services online, Americans are turning in large numbers to government websites to access information and services. Fully 82% of internet users (representing 61% of all American adults) looked for information or completed a transaction on a government website in the 12 months preceding this survey. Americans get information about public policies online, download official forms, and renew their license and card online.

April 27, 2010

More Americans Favor Than Oppose Arizona Immigration Law

More than three-quarters of Americans have heard about the state of Arizona's new immigration law, and of these, 51% say they favor it and 39% oppose it.

April 29, 2010

"Enthusiastic" Voters Prefer GOP by 20 Points in 2010 Vote

Although U.S. registered voters are closely divided in their 2010 congressional election preferences, those who say they are "very enthusiastic about voting" this year show a strong preference for the Republican Party.

April 27, 2010

Hispanics and Arizona's New Immigration Law

Arizona last week passed a law authorizing local police to check the immigration status of anyone they reasonably suspect of being in the United States illegally.1 The law has generated sharp debate between advocates who say it is needed to combat illegal immigration and opponents who say it is an infringement on civil liberties and an invitation to racial/ethnic profiling of Hispanics by the police. Opinion polls show that Hispanics are most critical of anti-immigration laws.

April 29, 2010

Pessimistic Public Doubts Effectiveness of Stimulus, TARP

The public remains doggedly downbeat about the condition of the national economy, even as many experts and economists see signs of recovery. As has been the case for most of the past two years, about nine-in-ten (88%) rate national economic conditions as only fair or poor, and over the past year there has been no decline in the percentage saying the economy will stay the same (36%) or get worse (19%) a year from now.

April 28, 2010

Obama Approval Drops to 46% in United States

Public support for Barack Obama fell slightly last month in the United States, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 46 per cent of respondents approve of their president’s performance, down two points since March.

May 01, 2010

Republicans Prioritize Immigration; Dems, Financial Reform

When asked which of three current legislative initiatives in Congress should be the priority, Americans who identify as Democrats favor a focus on financial reform, while independents and Republicans choose immigration. All three political groups give a new energy bill low priority.

April 30, 2010

Few Americans Satisfied with Economic Standing

Adults in the United States hold gloomy views on the country’s finances, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 83 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in the U.S. as "poor" or "very poor."

April 30, 2010

Americans Support Arizona Immigration Bill

Many adults in the United States would like several regulations included in the Arizona immigration bill to be implemented in their own state, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 76 per cent of respondents support making it a crime to transport someone who is an illegal immigrant.

April 29, 2010

Americans Split on Next Supreme Court Justice

Adults in the United States do not agree on a specific set of principles for the country’s next Supreme Court justice, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 32 per cent of respondents would prefer a person with a conservative ideology, while 30 per cent would choose someone with a liberal ideology.

April 28, 2010

Volcano-Related Disruptions Affected 14% of Americans

The volcano that erupted in Iceland earlier this month affected 14% of U.S. adults in one way or another, including 1% who say their personal travel plans were disrupted, 3% who say other plans were affected, and 5% who said it disrupted their business.

April 30, 2010

More Canadians Satisfied with Domestic Economy

Many people in Canada believe the country’s financial standing has improved this year, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 58 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in Canada today as good or very good, up four points since March.

April 28, 2010

LATIN AMERICA

Rousseff Gains, Almost Ties Serra in Brazil

Brazil’s presidential election will require a run-off, according to a poll by Instituto Sensus. 32.7 per cent of respondents would vote for Jose Serra of the Brazilian Party of Social Democracy (PSDB) in the ballot, while 32.4 per cent would support Dilma Rousseff of the ruling Workers’ Party (PT).

April 24, 2010

MULTI-COUNTRY POLLS/ GLOBAL POLLS

Views on Global Warming Vary in Three Countries

People in three countries hold differing views on climate change, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 58 per cent of respondents in Canada believe global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities, but only 41 per cent of Americans and 38 per cent of Britons concur.

April 27, 2010

Educating Boys and Girls in the Muslim World

In all eight predominantly Muslim nations surveyed in 2009 a strong majority say it is equally important to educate girls and boys. This opinion is shared by more than eight-in-ten in Lebanon (96%), Indonesia (93%), Turkey (89%), Pakistan (87%) and the Palestinian territories (85%).

Young, Less Educated Yearn to Migrate to the U.S.

Fifteen countries attract about 500 million of the roughly 700 million adults worldwide who say they would like to relocate permanently to another country if they could. Gallup finds the U.S. is clearly the No. 1 desired destination among these potential migrants, with more than 165 million saying they would like to move there, and neighboring Canada is a distant second with 45 million.

April 30, 2010

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

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 116

Dated 11-17, 2010

EAST EUROPE

Russians Flatly Reject Negotiating with Terrorists

Many adults in Russia are opposed to any kind of negotiation with terrorists, according to a poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 75 per cent of respondents believe that terrorism can only be eradicated by defeating the terrorists.

April 21, 2010

Communists Gain Momentum in Czech Republic

The Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) has increased its standing in the Czech Republic as a legislative ballot nears, according to a poll by Median. 16.8 per cent of respondents would vote for the Communists, up four points since February.

Apr 19, 2010

WEST EUROPE

Liberal Democrats Slightly Ahead in Britain

The Liberal Democrats have become the most popular political party in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 33 per cent of respondents would support the Lib-Dems in next month’s General Election.

April 22, 2010

Liberal Democrats Tie Conservatives in Britain

The Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats are tied as Britons ponder their choices in next month’s General Election, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 32 per cent of respondents would support the Tories, while 32 per cent would back the Lib-Dems.

April 20, 2010

Spaniards Reject Government’s Abortion Law

People in Spain are not satisfied with their government’s new pregnancy termination regulations, according to a poll by NC Report published in La Razón. 54.2 per cent of respondents oppose the Abortion Law.

Apr 18, 2010

NORTH AMERICA

Bush Still Gets More Blame for Economy Than Obama

More than a year into Barack Obama's presidency, Americans are more likely to say George W. Bush is responsible for today's economic problems than they are to say Obama is responsible. Gallup shows a significant uptick since last July in the percentage of Americans blaming Obama at least a moderate amount (from 32% to 50%), but little decrease (from 80% to 75%) in the percentage blaming Bush.

April 21, 2010

On 40th Earth Day, Image of Green Movement Still Positive

Nineteen percent of Americans say they are an active participant in the environmental movement, while 42% are sympathetic, but not active. The combined active/sympathetic group has declined some since Gallup first measured this in 2000, but, at 61%, it remains high. Currently, 28% are neutral and 10% are unsympathetic.

April 22, 2010

At 40, Environmental Movement Endures, With Less Consensus

A survey at the eve of Earth Day shows that the Environmental Movement have though survived through the 40 years long period but there has been decline in public enthusiasm for this concern.

April 22, 2010

Party Affiliation Gap in U.S. Narrowest Since 2005

The advantage in public support the Democratic Party built up during the latter part of the Bush administration and the early part of the Obama administration has all but disappeared. During the first quarter of 2010, 46% of Americans identified as Democrats or leaned Democratic, while 45% identified as or leaned Republican.

April 23, 2010

One in Five Americans Fear Job Loss in Next 12 Months

Even as Gallup's underemployment measure shows that more people are getting full-time jobs, 21% of American workers think it is "very" or "fairly" likely that they will lose their jobs or be laid off during the next 12 months. That is nearly twice the 12% pre-recession level of 2007 and about the same as the 19% recorded in late 1982, during another deep recession.

April 23, 2010

Half of Americans Support Afghanistan Mission

Half of adults in the United States are in favour of the country’s current military engagement in Afghanistan, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 51 per cent of respondents support the mission involving American soldiers, down three points since February.

April 23, 2010

Americans Endorse Racial Profiling at Airports

Many adults in the United States support security personnel relying on a passenger’s racial or religious characteristics to determine whether this passenger requires a more thorough review, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 51 per cent of respondents agree with this notion, while 39 per cent disagree.

Apr 19, 2010

Only Two-in-Five Canadians Back Afghan Mission

Public support for the military mission in Afghanistan has dropped in Canada, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 39 per cent of respondents support the operation involving Canadian soldiers, down eight points since February.

April 24, 2010

Canadian Majority Would Legalize Marijuana

Many adults in Canada believe marijuana should be legalized, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 53 per cent of respondents agree with this idea.

Apr 18, 2010

Teens, Cell Phones and Texting

Cell-phone texting has become the preferred channel of basic communication between teens and their friends, with cell calling a close second. Some 75% of 12-17 year-olds now own cell phones, up from 45% in 2004. Those phones have become indispensable tools in teen communication patterns. Fully 72% of all teens2 -- or 88% of teen cell phone users -- are text-messagers. That is a sharp rise from the 51% of teens who were texters in 2006. More than half of teens (54%) are daily texters.

April 20, 2010

Americans Remain Down About Their Financial Situations

Americans' evaluations of their current financial situations remain low, and the 41% who describe their personal financial situations as excellent or good is the lowest Gallup has measured in the past decade.

April 22, 2010

Canadian Majority Would Legalize Marijuana

Many adults in Canada believe marijuana should be legalized, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 53 per cent of respondents agree with this idea.

April 18, 2010

LATIN AMERICA

Haitians Want Foreigners in Charge of Reconstruction

People in Haiti hold little confidence in their government to oversee rebuilding efforts, according to a poll by Oxfam International. 39.3 per cent of respondents want foreign governments to play the leadership role in the reconstruction process.

Apr 20, 2010

Rousseff Gains, Almost Ties Serra in Brazil

Brazil’s presidential election will require a run-off, according to a poll by Instituto Sensus. 32.7 per cent of respondents would vote for Jose Serra of the Brazilian Party of Social Democracy (PSDB) in the ballot, while 32.4 per cent would support Dilma Rousseff of the ruling Workers’ Party (PT).

April 24, 2010

MULTI-COUNTRY POLLS/ GLOBAL POLLS

Wage Inequality Rampant in Four Western Nations

People in Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States are keenly aware of wage inequality in their respective countries, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. About two-thirds respondents in the four nations think women and men are not paid the same salary when working the same job.

April 21, 2010

Global Views of United States Improve While Other Countries Decline

Global views of the United States have improved markedly over the last year while views of many countries have become more negative, according to the latest BBC World Service poll across 28 countries. For the first time since the BBC started tracking in 2005, views of the United States' influence in the world are now more positive than negative on average.

April 18, 2010

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

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 115

Dated 11-17, 2010

EAST EUROPE

Many Russians Express Trust for Medvedev

Many people in Russia express confidence in president Dmitry Medvedev, according to a poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 40 per cent of respondents say they completely trust him as a person and as a politician.

April 15, 2010

WEST ERUOPE

Tories Lead by Ten Points in Britain

The Conservative Party remains ahead of its competitors in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 38 per cent of respondents would support the Tories in next month’s election to the House of Commons.

April 14, 2010

Spaniards Reject Government’s Abortion Law

People in Spain are not satisfied with their government’s new pregnancy termination regulations, according to a poll by NC Report published in La Razón. 54.2 per cent of respondents oppose the Abortion Law.

April 18, 2010

Spaniards Throw Support Behind Opposition PP

Spain’s Popular Party (PP) is now stronger than the ruling Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), according to a poll by NC Report published in La Razón. 43.6 per cent of respondents would vote for the conservative PP in the next legislative election, while 37.6 per cent would vote for the PSOE.

April 13, 2010

French Socialists Like Strauss-Kahn in 2012

International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn is a popular option to become the presidential candidate of France’s Socialist Party (PS), according to a poll by LH2. 37 per cent of respondents say Strauss-Kahn should lead the left into the 2012 election.

April 16, 2010

NORTH AMERICA

Voters Currently Divided on Second Obama Term

Registered voters are about evenly divided over whether President Barack Obama is deserving of a second term in office. Currently, 46% say he deserves re-election and 50% say he does not. Predictably, Democrats are one-sided for Obama's re-election and Republicans are one-sided against it, while independents lean against a second Obama term.

April 16, 2010

Making Ends Meet Is a Threshold for Personal Wellbeing

Having enough money to "buy the things you need" is a strong correlate of Americans' broad perception of their own wellbeing. Overall, 60% of Americans who say they have enough money for their needs rate their lives well enough to be considered "thriving." By contrast, 27% of those who can't meet their needs are thriving. This pattern is generally seen at each income level.

April 16, 2010

Americans' Views on Healthcare Law Remain Stable

Americans remain divided on the merits of the new healthcare law, with 45% saying it was a good thing that Congress passed the legislation and 49% saying it was a bad thing. This assessment from an April 8-11 Gallup poll shows little change from two weeks ago.

April 15, 2010

Republicans Lead by 48% to 44% on Congressional Ballot

Gallup Daily tracking for the week ending April 11 puts Republicans slightly ahead of Democrats, 48% to 44%, in the congressional voting preferences of registered voters nationally. This marks the third week since the U.S. House passed healthcare reform on March 21 that the Republicans have tied or led the Democrats.

April 13, 2010

Americans Blame President Bush for the Bad State of The Economy

According to the latest Harris Poll, the Republicans are a long way from convincing the American people that it is time to return the GOP back to power in Washington. The public may have serious doubts and reservations about the Democrats, but the memories of Bush era are still haunting Republicans.

April 07, 2010

Americans Split on Whether Their Income Taxes Are Too High

For the second straight year, slightly less than half of Americans say the amount of federal income tax they have to pay is too high, while almost as many say the amount they pay in taxes is about right.

April 14, 2010

Six in 10 Americans Expect Their Taxes to Increase

Sixty-three percent of Americans believe their taxes will increase in the next 12 months, while 4% expect a change that will reduce their taxes. Majorities of all income groups share this view, though it is more common among Americans in upper-income households.

April 14, 2010

Most Americans See Home Prices Stable or Rising

Lower but stabilizing home prices combined with continued low mortgage interest rates have persuaded 72% of Americans that now is a "good time" to buy a house -- essentially the same percentage as a year ago, but up 19 points from 2008.

April 15, 2010

Tomorrow's News

But the leaders of America's newsrooms are nonetheless worried about the future. Fewer than half of all those surveyed are confident their operations will survive another 10 years -- absent significant new sources of revenue. Nearly a third believe their operations are at risk in just five years or less. And many blame the problems not on the inevitable effect of technology but on their industry's missed opportunities.

April 12, 2010

Americans Dread Foreign and Domestic Terrorism

Many adults in the United States foresee an act of terrorism taking place on U.S. soil in the next year, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 69 per cent of respondents think an attack carried out by foreigners is likely to happen, while 58 per cent feel foresee an act of terrorism carried out by Americans.

April 14, 2010

Americans in Tune with Obama on Nuclear Weapons

Most people in the United States agree with the notion that there should be fewer nuclear weapons in the world, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 36 per cent of respondents think the U.S. government should focus on eliminating weapons worldwide, while 35 per cent think it should try to reduce the number of nuclear arms in the world.

April 13, 2010

Few Canadians Endorse Bigger House of Commons

Few people in Canada support a government proposal to increase the number of seats in the lower house of Parliament from 308 to 338, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 17 per cent of respondents think this would be beneficial for Canada, whereas 31 per cent say it would be detrimental.

April 12, 2010

Canadian Majority Would Legalize Marijuana

Many adults in Canada believe marijuana should be legalized, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 53 per cent of respondents agree with this idea.

April 18, 2010

NDP Holds Double-Digit Lead in British Columbia

The opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) has extended its advantage in British Columbia, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 47 per cent of respondents would vote for the NDP in the next provincial election, up four points since March.

April 18, 2010

LATIN AMERICA

Serra Barely Ahead of Rousseff in Brazil

Brazilians could be facing a tight first round in this year’s presidential election, according to a poll by Vox Populi released by Bandeirantes. 34 per cent of respondents would vote for Jose Serra of the Brazilian Party of Social Democracy (PSDB) in the upcoming ballot.

April 14, 2010

MULTI-COUNTRY POLLS

Tolerance and Tension: Islam and Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa

As compared with other parts of the world, sub-Saharan Africa is the most religious zone in the world. The vast majority of people in many sub-Saharan African nations are deeply committed to the practices and major tenets of one or the other of the world's two largest religions, Christianity and Islam, though traditional African religious beliefs and practices have not disappeared. Rather, they coexist with Islam and Christianity.

April 15, 2010

Little Hope for Middle East Peace in Three Nations

People in three countries hold little hope in the success of a potential Middle East peace process, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. At least 40 per cent of respondents in Canada, the United States and Britain believe there will never be a solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

April 16, 2010

Bullying is a Crime for Canadians and Americans

People in two North American countries believe bullying should be considered a crime even if no physical violence is involved, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 62 per cent of respondents in Canada—and 52 per cent in the U.S.—agree with this notion.

April 15, 2010

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

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 114

Dated 4–10 April, 2010

WEST EUROPE

Britons Despondent About Economy as Election Nears

Many adults in Britain believe the country has not rebounded from the global financial crisis, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 83 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in the United Kingdom as poor or very poor.

April 06, 2010

British Tories Start Campaign with 11-Point Lead

Britain’s Conservative Party holds a comfortable lead over Labour as the electoral campaign begins, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 37 per cent of respondents would vote for the Tories in the May ballot, down one point since early April.

April 10, 2010

Sarkozy’s Popularity Slides Further in France

Just over a third of people in France are still satisfied with Nicolas Sarkozy, according to a poll by LH2. 35 per cent of respondents have a positive opinion of the president, down four points since February.

April 09, 2010

NORTH AMERICA

Green Behaviors Common in U.S., but Not Increasing

Americans are today no more environmentally friendly in their actions than they were at the turn of the century. While more than three in four recycle, have reduced household energy use, and buy environmentally friendly products, these numbers have barely budged since 2000.

April 9, 2010

Democratic Party Image Drops to Record Low

Americans' favorable rating of the Democratic Party dropped to 41% in a late March USA Today/Gallup poll, the lowest point in the 18-year history of this measure. Favorable impressions of the Republican Party are now at 42%, thus closing the gap between the two parties' images that has prevailed for the past four years.

April 8, 2010

Voters Rate Economy as Top Issue for 2010

Fifty-seven percent of registered voters say the economy will be extremely important to their vote for Congress this year, making it the top issue in the 2010 elections. Healthcare, unemployment, and the federal budget deficit rank behind the economy in importance, with the environment the least important of the seven issues tested in the March 26-28 USA Today/Gallup poll.

April 8, 2010

Voters Issue Strong Rebuke of Incumbents in Congress

A record-low percentage of U.S. voters -- 28% -- say most members of Congress deserve to be re-elected. The previous low was 29% in October 1992.

April 7, 2010

Parties Even in Congressional Midterm Preferences

Gallup Daily tracking for the week ending April 4 finds the two major parties tied at 46% in the congressional voting preferences of registered voters nationally. In the two weeks since Congress passed healthcare reform on March 21, Democrats have tied or trailed the Republicans, after having at least a slight advantage in the weeks prior.

April 7, 2010

U.S. Birth Rate Decline Linked to Recession

Birth rates in the United States began to decline in 2008 after rising to their highest level in two decades, and the decrease appears to be linked to the recession, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of state fertility and economic data.

April 6, 2010

Most Support Stronger Regulations on Big Banks, Taxing Them To Pay Back Bailouts

Legislative proposals to regulate financial institutions and limit their size have the support of a majority of likely voters, including 55% who favor a tax on large banks to cover any government losses from bailouts.

April 08, 2010

Americans' Confidence in Banks Remains at Historical Low

As the Senate considers financial reform legislation, a new Gallup poll shows that Americans' confidence in banks has not returned on Main Street as it has on Wall Street. The percentage of Americans saying they have a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in U.S. banks is now 20% -- not much different from the 18% of a year ago or the 22% of last summer. Four in 10 Americans currently say they have "very little" confidence in U.S. financial institutions.

April 6, 2010

Americans Prioritize Energy Over Environment for First Time

Americans are more likely to say the U.S. should prioritize development of energy supplies than to say it should prioritize protecting the environment, the first time more have favored energy production over environmental protection in this question's 10-year history.

April 6, 2010

U.S. Job Creation Improves in the West in March

Gallup's Job Creation Index -- based on 16,778 U.S. employees' self-reports of hiring and firing activity at their workplaces -- shows that employees' perceptions of current job market conditions nationwide were essentially unchanged in March. Twenty-six percent report that their companies are hiring, while 24% say their companies are letting people go.

April 2, 2010

Half of Americans Back High-Speed Railways

Many adults in the United States are in favour of a proposal to create ten regional high-speed rail corridors in the country, according to a poll by Angus Reid Global Monitor. 49 per cent of respondents support this idea, while 26 per cent oppose it.

April 08, 2010

Canadians Content with Governor General Jean

Many adults in Canada are satisfied with the performance of their governor general, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 57 per cent of respondents approve of the way Michaëlle Jean has handled her duties, while 26 per cent disapprove.

April 05, 2010

LATIN AMERICA

Majority in Mexico Share Neighborhoods With Gangs

Nearly three years after Mexico launched its war against the drug cartels, Gallup data show drug traffickers and gangs remain entrenched in many neighborhoods -- particularly in Mexico's northern and central regions. More than half of Mexicans surveyed in August 2009 said gangs are present in their vicinity and 43% said drug trafficking takes place there.

April 9, 2010

MULTI-COUNTRY POLLS

Hungary Dissatisfied with Democracy, but Not its Ideals

With parliamentary elections approaching, Hungarians are in a funk. Nearly unanimously, they say the economy is in bad shape, and a stunning 72% say most Hungarians are actually worse off now economically than they were under communism. But Hungary's malaise is not all about economics -- most are frustrated with politics too. Overwhelmingly, Hungarians are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working and discontent with political elites, with about three-in-four saying political corruption is a major problem.

April 7, 2010

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

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 113

EAST EUROPE
Ukrainians Likely Support Move Away From NATO
Ukrainians may support their new government's plans to prohibit the country from joining military alliances, which would effectively end its six-year pursuit of NATO membership. Residents in May 2009 were more than twice as likely to see NATO as a threat (40%) than as protection (17%). One in three said it was neither.
April 2, 2010
Ukraine Says 'No' to NATO
Pew found that half of Ukrainians (51%) opposed their country's admission to NATO, while only 28% favored such a step. Moreover, given the opposition to membership, it is not surprising that about half of Ukrainians (51%) gave NATO an unfavorable rating.
March 29, 2010
Russians Don’t Want Closer Ties with U.S.
Few people in Russia want their country to seek improved relations with the United States, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. Only 14 per cent of respondents advocate for closer bi-lateral ties, down 10 points since March 2003.
April 01, 2010
WEST EUROPE
Germans Reject Monetary Aid to Greece
Over two thirds of people in Germany oppose a plan to give monetary aid to Greece, according to a poll by Forsa released by Stern. 68 per cent of respondents reject the notion of Germany providing Greece with financial assistance.
April 03, 2010
Tories No Longer Lead by Double-Digits in Britain
The opposition Conservative Party remains ahead of its rivals in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 37 per cent of respondents would support the Tories in this year’s election to the House of Commons.
April 02, 2010
NORTH AMERICA
Most Americans Worried About Economic Conditions
Many adults in the United States remain concerned about the country’s financial standing, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 81 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in the U.S. as poor or very poor.
March 30, 2010
One-in-Four Americans Approve of U.S. Congress
More Americans are content with the work of their legislative branch this month, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 24 per cent of respondents approve of the performance of Congress, up six points since February.
March 29, 2010
Obama Approval Steady at 48% in U.S.
Public support for Barack Obama did not go to any significant shifts in the United States this month, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 48 per cent of respondents approve of their president’s performance.
March 28, 2010
Chronic Conditions Linked to Cancer
Americans who report having been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes are roughly twice as likely to report a cancer diagnosis as those who have not been diagnosed with these conditions, according to Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index data.
April 1, 2010
Blame Spread Around for Post-Healthcare Vandalism, Threats
Americans hold all sides of the healthcare reform battle responsible for the rash of threatening e-mails, phone calls, and vandalism that erupted last week after the healthcare bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Roughly half (49%) say controversial political maneuvers by Democratic leaders to secure the votes they needed were a major reason. Nearly as many blame harsh criticism of the bill by both conservative media commentators and Republican leaders.
March 30, 2010
Americans Remain Concerned About Costs of Healthcare Bill
One week after the passage of historic new healthcare legislation, Americans remain worried about the bill's effect on costs -- both for the nation as a whole and for them personally. A majority of Americans say healthcare costs in the U.S. and the federal budget deficit will get worse as a result of the bill. Half of Americans believe that healthcare costs for themselves and their families will get worse.
March 30, 2010
Pope Benedict Favorable Rating Drops to 40% in U.S.
A new low of 40% of Americans view Pope Benedict XVI favorably amid new criticism about the Roman Catholic Church's handling of child sex abuse by priests. Now, nearly as many Americans have an unfavorable view of the pope as have a favorable view.
March 31, 2010
Republicans Move Ahead in 2010 Vote for Congress
Registered voters now say they prefer the Republican to the Democratic candidate in their district by 47% to 44% in the midterm congressional elections, the first time the GOP has led in 2010 election preferences since Gallup began weekly tracking of these in March.
April 1, 2010
Congress in a Word
When Pew asked Americans to provide a one word description of their impression of Congress, 86 percent of respondents said something negative while just 4 percent gave a positive word. The three most frequently offered terms were dysfunctional (21 people offered this), corrupt (20) and some version of selfish (19). Many of the words reflected perceptions that Congress has been unable or unwilling to enact legislation (inept, confusing, gridlock, etc.).
March 22, 2010
Most Canadians Support Quebec’s Veil Ban
People in Canada agree with Quebec’s proposal to instruct people to show their faces in order to receive government services, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 80 per cent of respondents approve of this legislation.
March 29, 2010
Canadians Oppose Afghan Combat Beyond 2011
People in Canada reject the possibility of extending the country’s military commitment in Afghanistan beyond the current timetable, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 79 per cent of respondents oppose Canadian troops taking part in a combat mission after 2011.
April 03, 2010
Most Canadians Pleased with Economic Conditions
A majority of people in Canada believe the country’s financial standing is satisfactory, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 54 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in Canada today as good or very good, up two points since February.
April 01, 2010
LATIN AMERICA
Brazilians Just Enamoured with Lula
With a presidential election in the horizon for Brazil, the popularity of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva keeps growing, according to a poll by Datafolha published in Folha de Sao Paulo. 76 per cent of respondents say Lula’s presidency has been good or very good, up four points since February.
April 03, 2010
Brazil’s Rousseff is Becoming a Stronger Contender
The first round of the next presidential election in Brazil could be a tight contest, according to a poll by Ibope. 35 per cent of respondents would vote for Jose Serra of the Brazilian Party of Social Democracy (PSDB), while 30 per cent would support Dilma Rousseff of the Workers’ Party (PT).
April 01, 2010
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The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 112

EAST EUROPE

United Russia Maintains Huge Advantage
The ruling party in the Russian Federation maintains a considerable lead, according to a poll by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 53 per cent of respondents would vote for United Russia (YR) in the next election to the State Duma.
March 25, 2010

WEST EUROPE

Britons Disapprove of Government’s Budget
Many people in Britain are not satisfied with their government’s latest spending plan, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 54 per cent of respondents disapprove of the budget presented by the administration headed by Gordon Brown.
March 27, 2010
Sarkozy’s Disapproval Rating Hikes in France
The unpopularity of French president Nicolas Sarkozy has continued to grow, according to a poll by Ifop published in Paris Match. 64 per cent of respondents disapprove of Sarkozy’s performance, up four points since February.
March 27, 2010

NORTH AMERICA

A Third of Americans Agree with Tea Party
Many people in the United States support the ideas of the National Tea Party movement, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 37 per cent of respondents agree with the movement’s core policies, while 25 per cent disagree with them.
March 24, 2010
Health Care Legislation Divides Views in the U.S.
Americans are split over the health care reform bill recently signed into law by United States president Barack Obama, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 42 per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with this development, while 39 per cent are satisfied.
March 26, 2010
Majority of Poor, Young, Uninsured Back Healthcare Bill
While 49% of Americans overall say Congress' passing healthcare reform is a "good thing," support is greater among Americans who currently lack health insurance. Passage of the bill also enjoys broad support among two of the populations least likely to have health insurance: younger adults and adults living in lower-income households. Older, higher-income, and insured Americans have more mixed reactions. The lone exception is seniors, 54% of whom see passage of the bill as a negative.
March 24, 2010
Obama Fares Best Among Healthcare Political Players
President Obama gets higher ratings for the job he did on the healthcare reform process over the past year than either congressional party does, though none of the three primary political actors receives positive reviews from a majority of Americans.
March 24, 2010
By Slim Margin, Americans Support Healthcare Bill's Passage
Nearly half of Americans give a thumbs-up to Congress' passage of a healthcare reform bill last weekend, with 49% calling it "a good thing." Republicans and Democrats have polar opposite reactions, with independents evenly split.
March 23, 2010
Obama Job Approval at 51% After Healthcare Vote
President Barack Obama's job approval stands at 51% after the passage of landmark healthcare legislation. That is slightly better than, though not fundamentally changed from, his ratings for most of this month.
March 25, 2010
Public Remains Deeply Pessimistic About the Economy and Employment
Since January, President Obama's low job rating on the economy has held steady. Just under one-third of Americans (32%) give him positive ratings on the job he is doing on the economy while 68% give him negative ratings. In January, 31% gave him positive marks and 69% gave him negative ones.
March 18, 2010
U.S. Support for Nuclear Power Climbs to New High of 62%
Americans' support for the use of nuclear power has inched up to 62%, establishing a new high ever since Gallup started asking this question.
March 22, 2010
Canadians Split on Afghan Detainee Controversy
People in Canada are divided on how to deal with a recent controversy over the treatment of Afghan detainees, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 40 per cent of respondents believe a review of documents is the best course of action, while 33 per cent support holding a full public inquiry.
March 24, 2010
Canadians Review PM’s YouTube Answers
Most Canadians disagree with their prime minister’s ideas on senators and drugs stated during a YouTube interview, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 50 per cent of respondents disagree with Stephen Harper’s notion that, "If drugs were legalized, these would never be respectable businesses run by respectable people."
March 23, 2010

LATIN AMERICA

Three-in-Four Brazilians Happy with Lula
A large majority of people in Brazil concede that the presidency of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been positive, according to a poll by Ibope. 75 per cent of respondents say Lula’s performance has been good or very good, down one point since February.
March 26, 2010
Mexico's Fox Talks About Why Leaders Need Wellbeing Data
Former Mexican President Vicente Fox sees wellbeing data as the key to better government policies and more efficient budgets. Fox sat down with Gallup.com at our Washington, D.C., headquarters to discuss Gallup's global wellbeing surveys, spanning 155 countries, and to share his thoughts on how world leaders should use these data to improve their constituents' lives.
March 26, 2010

MULTI-COUNTRY POLLS
The Behavioral Economics of GDP Growth: Gallup Global Wellbeing
Gallup reveals its data of 155 countries on wellbeing. Gallup categorized the respondents into ‘thriving’, ‘struggling’ and ‘suffering’. It shows that majority of population from across the world are either struggling or suffering.
Gallup asks ordinary individuals for their thoughts and opinions on several topics, including economics, religion, migration, and wellbeing. Gallup’s data provide sound evidence on many issues that more than 98% of the world’s adult population faces.
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The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 111

EAST EUROPE
Medvedev, Putin Early Favourites in Russia
Russia’s two main political leaders are also the top presidential contenders at this point, according to a poll by Bashkirova & Partners. 34 per cent of respondents would vote for current prime minister Vladimir Putin, while 26 per cent would support incumbent president Dmitry Medvedev.
March 15, 2010
Romanians Pessimistic About Country
A large majority of people in Romania think the country is heading in the wrong direction, according to a poll by CURS. 77 per cent of respondents share this opinion.
March 19, 2010
WEST EUROPE
Britons Doubt Afghanistan Will Be Stable in 2015
Many adults in Britain believe foreign soldiers will still be needed in Afghanistan five years from now, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 58 per cent of respondents think the Government of Afghanistan will not be able to run its affairs without the assistance of international troops.
March 17, 2010
Tories Keep Lead, Lib-Dems Gain in Britain
The opposition Conservative Party maintains a steady level of support in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 39 per cent of respondents would support the Tories in this year’s election to the House of Commons.
March 19, 2010
Just Over a Third of French Trust Sarkozy
Fewer adults in France hold a positive opinion of Nicolas Sarkozy, according to a poll by CSA published in Le Parisien. 36 per cent of respondents have confidence in their president to face the country’s problems, down four points since February.
March 16, 2010
Swedes Want Senior Monarch to Stay Put
Few people in Sweden believe the current monarch should abdicate after he turns 65, according to a poll by Synovate published in Dagens Nyheter. 62 per cent of respondents want King Carl XVI Gustaf to stay on.
March 14, 2010
Greek Cypriots Reject Rotating Presidency
Most people in Greek Cyprus oppose the idea of introducing a rotating presidency in the island, according to a poll by Symmetron Market Research published in Kathimerini. 59 per cent of respondents share this point of view, while 15 per cent would endorse the proposal.
March 17, 2010
NORTH AMERICA
Americans Expect Health Bill to Mainly Help Poor, Uninsured
The majority of Americans believe the healthcare bill Congress is currently considering will benefit those who lack health insurance and lower-income families. Americans tend to see more negative than positive effects on most other groups in society.
March 19, 2010
The Return of the Multi-Generational Family Household
This report documents major changes in family household living arrangements that have unfolded over the past three decades and accelerated during the Great Recession. Its principal focus is on the revival since 1980 of the multi-generational family household.
March 18, 2010
Obama Not Meeting Americans' Lofty Expectations on Issues
Americans' ratings of the job President Barack Obama is doing in three key areas are much less positive than their expectations were for him shortly after he took office. Americans give Obama the best review for protecting the environment and the worst for making America prosperous.
March 17, 2010
Americans Firm in Prioritizing Economy Over Environment
For only the second time in more than two decades and the second straight year, Americans are more likely to say economic growth should take precedence over environmental protection when the two objectives conflict (53%) than to say the reverse (38%).
March 18, 2010
In U.S., Many Environmental Issues at 20-Year-Low Concern
Americans are less worried about each of eight specific environmental problems than they were a year ago, and on all but global warming and maintenance of the nation's fresh water supply, concern is the lowest Gallup has measured. Americans worry most about drinking-water pollution and least about global warming.
March 16, 2010
82% of Public Believe Wall Street Should Be Regulated More Toughly
American attitudes towards Wall Street are ambivalent. Most people believe that Wall Street benefits the country and that what it does is "absolutely essential." However, attitudes towards the people who work on Wall Street are overwhelmingly negative and are far lower than they were before 2008 and the bail-out of large banks and other financial institutions, with little or no improvement over the last year. The net result? Fully 82% of all adults believe that Wall Street should be regulated more toughly.
March 11, 2010
Race for Control of Congress Remains Close
Gallup's weekly read on the race for Congress shows Democrats with a 47% to 44% edge over Republicans among registered voters, unchanged from last week. However, this represents a significantly smaller margin for the Democrats than the final Gallup estimate before the last midterm elections, in 2006.
March 16, 2010
Generational Differences on Abortion Narrow
Gallup analysis of U.S. public opinion trends on abortion shows that generational differences in support for broadly legal abortion have diminished over the past decade. In the mid-1970s, when Gallup started polling on the issue, adults aged 18 to 29 and 30 to 49 were the most supportive of legal abortion under any circumstances, and those 65 and older the least, with 50- to 64-year-olds falling in between. That pattern continued through the late 1990s. Since 2000, however, all age groups with the exception of seniors have shown similar levels of support for broadly legal abortion.
March 12, 2010
Americans' Weekly Spending Hits New High for 2010
With stocks at a new high for the year, pent-up demand from the snowstorms of prior weeks, and perhaps the arrival of some tax refunds, Americans' self-reported spending reached its highest level of the year during the week ending March 14.
March 17, 2010
Americans Split on Placing Reagan on $50 Bill
A proposal to place Ronald Reagan’s likeness on all $50 bills has divided views in the United States, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 41 per cent of respondents support the idea, while 39 per cent oppose it.
March 14, 2010
LATIN AMERICA
Chileans Expect a Good Piñera Government
People in Chile have high expectations for their new government, according to a poll by Adimark Gfk. 59 per cent of respondents expect the country to do well under new president Sebastián Piñera.
March 15, 2010
Chile’s Bachelet Leaves with Enviable Rating
A large proportion of adults in Chile are satisfied with the performance of their outgoing president, according to a poll by Adimark Gfk. 84 per cent of respondents approve of Michelle Bachelet’s performance.
March 13, 2010
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The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.