Poll: Greeks are Worried About the Economy

Greeks are worried about the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis on Greece’s economy, according to the results of a recent poll conducted by Pulse for SKAI TV.

Pulse carried out the second part of its poll after February 24 – the day of the Russian invasion.

According to its findings, 80 percent of respondents said they were very concerned “overall and particularly about the Greek economy”.

Energy price hikes concern Greeks

The increase of energy prices also concerns Greeks. However, there does not seem to be a single estimate as to whether external causes or internal reasons are primarily responsible for the surge of energy prices:

– 47 percent of respondents estimate the main reasons to be “external – international issues”
– 35 percent cites “government management or failures ”
– 9 percent refer to “domestic issues and weaknesses of the country”.

Regarding the government’s measures and initiatives:

– 47 percent of respondents consider them to be towards the “wrong direction” while,
– 42 percent say “more measures are needed”.

Meanwhile, 25 percent of the ruling New Democracy party’s voters consider the government’s measures to be “wrong”.

Also, 51 percent of respondents evaluate the stance of the opposition SYRIZA party negatively.

Voting intention in Greece

Photo source: Ministry of Interior

Despite their overall concern, most respondents do not wish for Greece to proceed with early elections:

– 47 percent would prefer the elections to take place in 2023 and until the end of the government’s term
– 26 percent think it is better to hold the general elections by this summer and
– 19 percent wish for Greece to hold general elections until the end of the year.

In addition, 40 percent select New Democracy President Kyriakos Mitsotakis as most suitable for prime minister while 25 select SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras.

Voting intention for New Democracy is at 33.5 percent and for SYRIZA at 23.5 percent.

Regarding Covid-19, 66 percent of respondents positively evaluate the Greek government’s recent decisions, while one in two believe now is the right time to ease measures.