Perceptions of the quality of life and confidence in the future have reached new all-time highs, according to a poll by the independent pollster, the Levada Centre. 

Public sentiment in Russia regarding quality of life has rebounded to near-record levels after a slight decline last year, with over half of respondents expressing satisfaction with their lives, according to a recent survey by Levada-Center, a Russian research organisation designated as a "foreign agent."

Quality of life

As of November, 54% of respondents reported being satisfied with their lives – a figure approaching the peak of 55% recorded in April 2023. Meanwhile, dissatisfaction has reached a historic low, with only 12% indicating discontent, a stark contrast to June 1992, when two-thirds of Russians reported dissatisfaction.

The survey highlights a demographic split. Younger respondents under 24 years old reported the highest levels of satisfaction (75%), followed by those who can afford durable goods (63%) and those supportive of President Vladimir Putin's administration (59%). Conversely, satisfaction levels were lower among those aged 55 and above (48%), individuals struggling to afford food (34%), and those critical of the country’s direction (27%) or opposed to Putin (21%).

Confidence in the future

Confidence in the future also surged, with 66% of Russians expressing optimism, a return to the near-maximum levels observed in May 2022 (67%). However, 31% remain uncertain about the future, a figure consistent with spring 2022 lows.

Young people were the most confident, with 87% expressing optimism. Other confident groups included those with disposable income (75%) and Putin supporters (72%). In contrast, uncertainty was most pronounced among those over 55 (34%), those struggling financially (52%), and Putin's critics (78%).

Adapting to change

A growing proportion of Russians (38%) reported that their lives have remained stable over the past seven years, an 18 percentage-point increase. Meanwhile, 16% of respondents stated they had capitalised on new opportunities to improve their lives, an increase of eight points.

Fewer respondents reported struggling to maintain their previous lifestyle (15%, down 13 points) or resorting to any available means to earn money (23%, down six points). However, 6% of respondents still report being unable to adapt, a figure unchanged over the last six years.

The findings underline the significant influence of socio-economic and political factors on public sentiment. Those in financial stability or alignment with the government are more likely to express satisfaction and confidence, while older and economically disadvantaged groups, along with opposition supporters, report greater dissatisfaction and uncertainty, Levada concluded.