In 2023, nearly 40% of Kazakhs noted a decline in their standard of living, while for one-third of respondents (33.4%), it remained unchanged. Additionally, 19.4% of the population believes that their quality of life has improved, according to a survey conducted by the Demoscope express monitoring bureau with the support of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, in collaboration with the research center Paperlab, Vlast.kz reports.
"The DEMOSCOPE survey results demonstrate heightened expectations among the population of Kazakhstan regarding the resolution of political, socio-economic problems, and an improvement in the standard of living in the new year 2024. However, the existing inert approach in governance, contrary to expected reformative measures but complemented by periodic populist actions, may ensure a certain period of loyalty to the authorities," the organization stated.
According to the survey, the greatest concern for half of Kazakhs is the rise in prices for essential goods against the backdrop of low incomes. The population is also worried about the unavailability or unsatisfactory condition of housing (33.4%), low levels of pensions, allowances, and scholarships (31.3%), corruption (29.6%), and employment difficulties (27.2%).
Demoscope also reports that 65.7% of respondents believe that Kazakhstan needs extensive and decisive changes. Only 7% of Kazakhs think that no changes are necessary, while 24% support minor changes.
Regarding trust, the majority of respondents trust the President of Kazakhstan (69.4%), with 20.1% expressing a lack of trust. Over half of citizens trust banks, the police, akims (mayors), and religious leaders. The government is trusted by 48.8% of respondents and not trusted by 39.5%. Parliamentarians are "rather not trusted" by 47.7%, and 37.2% express mistrust toward the courts.
Researchers note that Kazakhs approaching retirement age are the most skeptical of the government and deputies, while among young people aged 18 to 29, there is a high level of trust in the president (79%) and religious leaders (66%).
The study also demonstrates that in the fields of ecology and the economy, the majority of respondents noted a deterioration in the situation (43.1% and 33.4%). Regarding education, 36.4% see improvement, and about the performance of law enforcement agencies, 38.2% of respondents did not notice any changes. Overall, half of Kazakhs consider the situation in the country unfavorable, while 45% believe it is favorable.
Researchers surveyed 1,100 people in 17 regions and cities of republican significance (Astana, Almaty, Shymkent) from December 11 to 16, 2023.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
December 27, 2023