MOSCOW, 20 October. /TASS/. More than 70% of Russians support the initiative not to hold New Year's events this year in cities and instead redistribute spare funds for the needs of military personnel. This is according to a survey by the Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM), the results of which were obtained by TASS.
Earlier, at least 15 Russian regions decided to either scale down or completely abandon New Year's events in their cities amid the partial mobilization and to instead redirect funds to support conscripted citizens and their families, the authorities of the regions reported. Some of them adjusted the format of the holidays by refusing festive lighting or fireworks, but retaining social aspects such as Christmas trees for children. Another four regions are considering the possibility of abandoning entertainment events.
"Despite the fact that the initiative was supported by a limited number of regions, Russians in general expressed a willingness to abandon festivities this year. Three-quarters of the respondents said they support or would support the authorities’ decision if it were adopted (74%). Every second respondent justified that such a response was due to a lack of funds for the provision of those mobilized and a desire to help the Russian army (47% of the supporters of the initiative)," the study says.
Another quarter (24%) of the initiative's supporters argue their point of view by saying that entertainment events are inappropriate during the special military operation, 7% believe that this will speed up the end of the special military operation, 6% note the importance of moral support for military personnel. It turned out that the idea of abolishing festivities is favored more by women (78%) than by men (70%).
Nevertheless, 17% of Russians, mainly young people aged 18-24, oppose canceling holiday festivities. In particular, 18% of respondents in this group cite a need for distraction, to rest. Approximately the same percentage believe that children should not be left without a holiday. Another 12% expressed the opinion that the special military operation should be financed from other sources, and 10% are sure that it is not worth saving on the holiday.
How about canceling corporate parties?
More than half of Russians (54%) also believe that companies and organizations should not hold New Year's corporate parties this year.
"Every other person believes that organizations should refuse to hold them this year (54%), 30% speak in favor of a corporate celebration of the New Year. 16% of respondents found it difficult to answer this question," the study says.
Women (59% versus 49% among men), Russians aged 60 and older (63%) and rural residents (60%) are the most ready to give up New Year's corporate parties. Those who support the cancellation of New Year's festivities in Russian cities in order to redistribute available funds for the needs of military personnel do not see the need for corporate events either - they gave such an answer 2.4 times more often than opponents of this initiative.
Young people aged 18-24 (50%), citizens with incomplete secondary education (45%), Muscovites and St. Petersburg residents (36%), as well as active Internet users (38%) want to hold New Year's corporate parties as usual.
The VTsIOM-Online All-Russian Internet poll was held on October 14, surveying 1,600 Russians over the age of 18. The maximum margin of error with a 95% probability of error did not exceed 2.5%.