Belarusians in expectation of another devaluation

Over 81% of Belarusians fear a new devaluation of Belarusian ruble in coming months.

Data of a national survey conducted in March confirmed that the economy is becoming the most serious problem for authorities, Salidarnasc reports.

Independent Institute of Socio-Economic and Political Studies published the results.

The answers to the question on reasons for 30% devaluation of Belarusian ruble against dollar are as follows:

- weakening Russian ruble exchange rate - 45%;

- inappropriate policy of the Belarusian government and the National Bank - 37.4%;

- active purchase of currency by population - 24.6%.

At the same time over 81% of Belarusians fear a new devaluation of Belarusian ruble in coming months.

In the first quarter the number of those who believe the Belarusian economy is in crisis has increased from 52.3% up to 67.5%. Assessing the government's actions on meeting the crisis, only 23.7% of respondents say that they"are effective, but unable to resist external causes (the war in Ukraine, the drop in oil prices, etc.)". Almost 40% of respondents believe that the government performs ineffectively, and external causes are an attempt to absolve themselves of responsibility for the crisis.

The opinion of citizens on the success of Belarusian economic model is as follows:

- internal reasons, Russian aid is important, but not decisive factor - 32.4%;

- but for the Russian aid there would be no progress in Belarusian economy - 35.4%;

- no progress of Belarusian economy - 27%.

The average income (wages, pensions, benefits, etc.) for a family member continues to decline - $288 in September 2014, $285 in December 2014, $211 in March 2015.