Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 120

Dated May 16-22, 2010

Zone 3- EURO-AMERICAS

EAST EUROPE

Riots in Kyrgyzstan: Popular Uprising or Anti-Constitutional Coup? (Click for Details)

Most of the Russians are unaware of the happenings in neighboring Kyrgyzstan. A majority of respondents say the mass protests are caused by the fall in living standards and wrong policy of the Kyrgyzstani authorities (47%). Russian Public Opinion Research center (VCIOM)

April 2010

Politics » Political perceptions

Thinking Of V.I. Lenin Today (Click for Details)

In anticipation of the 140th anniversary of Lenin's birth Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presented the information describing what Russians think about V.I. Lenin and his role in Russian history. By and large the modern Russians attitude is more of ‘indifference’ then any thing else. The response for ‘respect’ has declined though still more than three in ten respect him but do not like him as much.

May 11, 2010

Politics » History

WEST EUROPE

Britons Want Changes to Voting System (Click for Details)

People in Britain are in favor of implementing specific guidelines to modernize the country’s voting system, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 73 % of respondents support counting ballots electronically, instead of by hand.

May 19, 2010

Politics » Elections

Most Britons Approve of Governing Coalition (Click for Details)

A majority of people in Britain agree with the coalition agreement between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 57 % of respondents approve of the alliance, whereas 31 % disapprove of it.

May 21, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

Two Thirds of French Reject Sarkozy (Click for Details)

French president Nicolas Sarkozy remains highly unpopular, according to a poll by Ifop published in Paris Match. 66 % of respondents disapprove of Sarkozy’s performance, down one point since April.

May 20, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

Labour Party Sees Rebound in Ireland (Click for Details)

Ireland’s Labour Party (Lab.) has gained a significant number of supporters over the past few weeks, according to a poll by Red C. 24 % of respondents would vote for Labour in the next legislative election, up seven points since March.

May 22, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

NORTH AMERICA

Three in Five Americans Give President Obama Negative Job Ratings (Click for Details)

According to the results of The Harris Poll currently, two in five Americans (42%) give President Obama positive ratings on the overall job he is doing while 58% give him negative ratings. This is almost unchanged from last month when 41% gave him positive ratings and 59% gave him negative ones.

May 21, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

In U.S., Increasing Number Have No Religious Identity (Click for Details)

Americans have become increasingly less tied to formal religion in recent decades, with the percentage saying they do not have a specific religious identity growing from near zero in the 1950s to 16% this year and last. Gallup USA.

May 21, 2010

Society » Religion

Americans' Outlook for U.S. Morality Remains Bleak (Click for Details)

Americans are three times more likely to describe the current state of moral values in the United States as "poor" than as "excellent" or "good." Americans' assessment of U.S. morality has never been positive, but the current ratings rank among the worst Gallup has measured over the past nine years.

May 17, 2010

Society » Social Perceptions

White Gender Gap in Obama Approval Widens With Education (Click for Details)

Approval of US President Barack Obama among white U.S. adults has held fairly steady around the 41% mark in 2010, after a gradual decline from 62% in January 2009. At the same time, a gender gap among whites, averaging six percentage points, has persisted throughout Obama's presidency. Thus far in May, his approval rating is 44% among white women vs. 39% among white men. Gallup USA.

May 21, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

Public's Priorities for Congress: Jobs and Energy Top Immigration (Click for Details)

The America public views tougher regulations on financial institutions as an important priority for Congress, but far more want Congress to take action on the job situation and energy policy. The Pew Research/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll

May 18, 2010

Politics » Political Institutions

Smoking and Age: The Baby Boomer Bulge (Click for Details)

Older Americans are generally less likely than those who are younger to report that they smoke, but the age/smoking relationship is not uniform. Smoking is higher among younger baby boomers between the ages of 44 and 54 than it is among those in their 30s and those 55 and older. After peaking in the high 20% range for Americans in their 20s, smoking rates drop to 21% at age 40. Gallup USA.

May 20, 2010

Society » Health & Disease

Conservatives Most Enthusiastic About Voting in 2010 Midterm (Click for Details)

Registered American voters who identify themselves as conservatives are significantly more enthusiastic about voting in this fall's congressional elections than are liberals or moderates. Those who say they are "very" conservative are the most enthusiastic of all, with substantially higher enthusiasm than those who say they are "very" liberal. Gallup USA.

May 18, 2010

Politics » Elections

Most Americans Endorse Terrorist Expatriation Act (Click for Details)

A large proportion of people in the United States would support a proposed law that would strip all Americans with links to terrorist organizations of their U.S. citizenship, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 77 % of respondents approve of the bill currently being discussed in Congress.

May 20, 2010

Security/IR » Terrorism

Canadians Back New Rules for Criminal Pardons (Click for Details)

The recent proposal to modify the rules regarding criminal pardons is supported by a large proportion of Canadians, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 81 % of respondents agree with the bill recently introduced by Canadian public safety minister Vic Toews.

May 19, 2010

Society » Crime

LATIN AMERICA

President Calderón Gains Two Points in Mexico (Click for Details)

Public support for Felipe Calderón remains stable in Mexico, according to a poll by Consulta Mitofsky. 55.5% of respondents agree with the way their president is governing, up 2.1 points since February.

May 19, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

Mockus Jumps to First Place in Colombia (Click for Details)

Former Bogota mayor Antanas Mockus is now leading the presidential race in Colombia, according to a poll by Datexco released by El Tiempo and W Radio. 32.8 % of respondents would vote for Mockus of the Green Party (PV) in this month’s ballot, up eight points since early April.

May 20, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

Lula Remains Immensely Popular in Brazil (Click for Details)

Public support for Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva continues to grow as he heads to the final days of his tenure, according to a poll by Instituto Sensus. 83.7 % of respondents approve of Lula’s performance as president, up two points since January.

May 18, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

AUSTRALASIA

PM Rudd Losing Appeal for Australians (Click for Details)

The popularity of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has taken a hard blow, according to a poll by Newspoll published in The Australian. 50 % of respondents are dissatisfied with Rudd’s performance, up nine points since mid-April.

May 18, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

GLOBAL/MULTI-COUNTRY SURVEYS

Country's Leadership Matters to Potential Migrants (Click for Details)

Gallup survey of 148 countries shows that the potential migrants give positive ratings to the leadership of those countries where they want to go to. his is true among migrants who would like to move to the United States -- the No. 1 desired destination worldwide -- and six other top destination countries that Gallup asked adults to rate the leadership of, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Russia, France, and Germany.

May 21, 2010

Politics » Immigration

Czechs' Commitment to Free Markets and Democracy Stays Strong amidst Troubled Economic and Political Waters- comparative study (Click for Details)

A fall 2009 survey by the Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project found broad-based Czech discontent with the country's economic situation and the way democracy is working. Nonetheless, the data also showed a strong commitment among Czechs to free markets and democratic values. Moreover, Czechs ranked high among their peers in the region in terms of happiness with the transition to free market economics and multiparty politics.

May 19, 2010

Politics » Political perceptions

Vast Majorities on Both Sides of the Border Place Responsibility for Mexico's Drug War on America's Drug Consumption (Click for Details)

Americans and Mexicans have strikingly similar attitudes about the drug war in Mexico, according to a study conducted by Harris Interactive and its global network partner, Indemerc, in early May 2010. But neither Americans nor Mexicans support U.S. intervention.

May 19, 2010

Society » Crime

---------------
The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani's Gallopedia website.

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

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

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 118

Dated 02-08 May, 2010

Zone 3- EURO-AMERICAS

EAST EUROPE

Two-Thirds in Slovenia Dissatisfied with Government

More people in Slovenia are unhappy with their national administration, according to a poll by Ninamedia. 67.9 per cent of respondents say the work of the government has been unsuccessful, up seven points since February.

May 02, 2010

WEST EUROPE

Only a Third in France Approve of Sarkozy

Public dissatisfaction with Nicolas Sarkozy has grown this year in France, according to a poll by Ifop published in Paris Match. 67 per cent of respondents disapprove of their president’s performance, up seven points since February.

May 05, 2010

Confidence in Berlusconi Below 50% in Italy

A majority of Italians hold little trust in their prime minister, according to a poll by IPR Marketing published in La Repubblica. 54 per cent of respondents do not have confidence in Silvio Berlusconi.

May 06, 2010

NORTH AMERICA

Americans No Less Worried About Healthcare Costs

Despite the passage of highly publicized healthcare legislation into law in March, Americans are no less concerned about paying the costs of a serious illness or accident, or normal healthcare costs, than they were last year. Sixty-one percent are worried about the former, and 48% are worried about the latter.

May 7, 2010

Few Americans Oppose National Day of Prayer

Most Americans either support or are not bothered by the annual National Day of Prayer, which President Obama proclaimed will be celebrated on May 6 this year. Those who say religion is important in their lives widely support the day, while the majority of those who say religion is not important say it doesn't matter to them, rather than opposing it outright.

May 5, 2010

U.S. Job Creation Best since November 2008

Gallup's Job Creation Index finds current job market conditions nationwide to be the best they have been since November 2008.

May 6, 2010

United We Stand ... on Technology

While the U.S. public dissatisfaction with the state of the nation and federal government is very high, the satisfaction with news media, churches and religious institutions is in the low 30s or 20s, but the satisfaction with technology companies outranks all other institutions.

May 5, 2010

The New Demography of American Motherhood

The demography of motherhood in the United States has shifted strikingly in the past two decades. Compared with mothers of newborns in 1990, today's mothers of newborns are older and better educated. They are less likely to be white and less likely to be married.

May 6, 2010

"Socialism" Not So Negative, "Capitalism" Not So Positive

‘Socialism’ is a negative for most Americans, but certainly not all Americans. "Capitalism" is regarded positively by a majority of public, though it is a thin majority. Among certain segments of the public -- notably, young people and Democrats -- both "isms" are rated about equally. And while most Americans have a negative reaction to the word "militia," the term is viewed more positively by Republican men than most other groups.

May 4, 2010

U.S Catholics Show Mixed Views on Pope

Results of a new Zogby Interactive survey show mixed results among American Catholics' evaluations of Catholic Church leaders. Both Pope Benedict XVI and American Catholic Bishops receive largely negative ratings in their handling of the sexual abuse situation with the church. However, pluralities approve of the overall job performance of both the Pope and Bishops. In addition, a clear majority of American Catholics believe Pope Benedict XVI should continue to serve as Pope.

May 05, 2010

The Flu Season That Wasn't

Despite initial concerns about the rampant spread of H1N1 heading into the 2009-2010 cold and flu season, flu reports have been consistently lower throughout this flu season compared with the last according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. April marks the sixth consecutive month in which fewer American adults in Gallup's tracking have reported having the flu the prior day compared with the corresponding months' estimates from one year ago.

May 6, 2010

Approval for Congress Steady in United States

Only one-in-four Americans are satisfied with the way the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate are doing their jobs, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 24 per cent of respondents approve of the performance of Congress.

May 03, 2010

LATIN AMERICA

Brazil’s Lula Heads to Retirement with High Numbers

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva remains particularly popular in Brazil, according to a poll by Ibope. 76 per cent of respondents rate their president’s performance as good or very good.

May 04, 2010

AUSTRALASIA

Australians Want Immigrants in Specific Regions

People in Australia believe their government should provide incentives for new migrants to settle in specific regions of the country which need and can cope with higher populations, according to a poll by Essential Research. 55 per cent of respondents agree with this view.

May 07, 2010

MULTI-COUNTRY POLLS/ GLOBAL POLLS

Many See Drug Trafficking Widespread, Rising in Latin America

Gallup surveys suggest illicit drug trafficking is common in communities throughout much of Latin America, including in some of the most well-developed countries such as Chile and Costa Rica. At least half of residents in Brazil, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Venezuela, and Uruguay say illicit drug trafficking or drug sales are taking place in their neighborhoods.

May 7, 2010

Colombia Eclipses Mexico in Murders Close to Home

Despite frequent news of drug war-related deaths in Mexico, Gallup polls show the average Mexican is less likely than those in several other Latin American countries to say a close friend or relative was murdered in the past year. Five percent of Mexicans interviewed in August 2009 said someone close to them was murdered in the past 12 months -- about average for the region.

May 5, 2010

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