MOST RUSSIANS CONSIDER FEBRUARY 23 BIG HOLIDAY
RIA Novosti
MOSCOW, February 21. (RIA Novosti) - 73% of Russians highly appreciate the Day of the Fatherland's Defenders, celebrated on February 23, although it was born by the Soviet era. Less than one third (24%) believe that it has lost its significance, shows a survey of the All-Russian Center for Public Opinion Studies.
The survey was conducted among 1,600 Russians in 100 cities and towns in 39 regions on February 12-13. The statistic error does not exceed 3.4%.
However, the holiday is no longer perceived as the Soviet Army celebrations. Only 13% of respondents still think of it as such, most of them are over 60. For 46% it is all men's holiday. This opinion is the most popular among women and young people aged 18-24. Men are inclined to see the day as the day of all Russian servicemen (32%). Only 8% of pollees do not consider it a holiday at all.
When assessing the Russian Army's current efficiency, 67% say that it is able to protect Russia against a real military threat from other countries (in 2002 those who thought so were 59%). The number of "absolutely certain" respondents have grown by 2.5 times in the last two years. About one third (29%) doubt the capabilities of the Russian Armed Forces and 8% are sure that it is unable to fend off an outward attack.
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