Bulgarians Show Political and Economic Pessimism in Gallup International Survey

Gallup International presented a survey on the first 100 days in office of the second Boiko Borisov government on Tuesday.

The majority of people (56%) interviewed in February said that they do not trust the government.

Overall, people stated their low satisfaction with the government crisis management during the floods in Bulgaria - 73%. Only 15% believed that the government did well in that component. 

Former Borisov 1 cabinet of 2009, had a much higher approval ratings - over 50%.

Similar is the situation with trust in Bulgarian Parliament - only 21% show positive perceptions and 67% - negative.

The Presidential institution remains stable but still demonstrates rather low score of only 30%. Still, a little over 50% of people distrust the office.

Little desire is expressed, however, for preliminary elections to take place, with 15% of people deeming the procedure necessary in January.

Among the leaders in public trust remain Kristalina Georgieva with 55%, Yordanka Fandakova with 44%, and Petar Moskov with close to 30%. Similar approval is shown for current Bulgarian PM Boiko Borisov, Regional Minister Lilyana Pavlova, Deputy PM Tomislav Donchev, Social Minister Ivaylo Kalfin.

Regarding the views of the general public on the future development of Bulgaria, the largest portion of respondents still holds an overall negative opinion -62%.

In the beginning of February 41% of the respondents expect the economic situation in the country to worsen in the upcoming year, while the majority also believes that the situation in their personal finances will remain the same.

Close to two thirds of respondents also perceive there is danger of terrorist attacks and a threat posed by Islamic State.

The European...