Public Opinion Survey Residents of Georgia June-July 2020 Detailed Methodology
• The fieldwork was carried out by the Institute of Polling & Marketing. The survey was coordinated by Dr. Rasa Alisauskiene of the public and market research company Baltic Surveys/The Gallup Organization on behalf of the Center for Insights in Survey Research.
• Data was collected across Georgia between June 4 and July 2, 2020 through face-to-face interviews at respondents’ homes.
• The sample consisted of 1,500 permanent residents of Georgia older than the age of 18 and eligible to vote. It is representative of the general population by age, gender, region and size of the settlement.
• A multistage probability sampling method was used with the random route and next birthday respondent selection procedures.
• Stage one: All districts of Georgia are grouped into 10 regions. All regions of Georgia were surveyed (Tbilisi city – as separate region). • Stage two: Selection of the settlements – cities and villages. • Settlements were selected at random. The number of selected settlements in each region was proportional to the share of population living in a particular type of settlement in each region. • Stage three: primary sampling units were described.
• The margin of error does not exceed plus or minus 2.5 percent and the response rate was 66 percent.
• Charts and graphs may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding.
• The survey was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
2 Georgian Government COVID-19 Pandemic Response To what extent are you satisfied with the government’s response to COVID-19?
Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat unsatisfied Very unsatisfied Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 41% 38% 13% 7% 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
4 Please evaluate these institutions by effectiveness in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia
Very effective Somewhat effective Somewhat ineffective Very ineffective Don’t know/No answer
National Center for 64% 30% 5% 1% 1% Disease Control (NCDC)
Ministry of Health 55% 36% 6% 2%1%
Office of the Prime 46% 35% 13% 2% 3% Minister
The Patriarchate of 39% 36% 14% 4% 7% Georgia
Parliament of Georgia 23% 34% 27% 9% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
5 To what extent are you satisfied with the government’s efforts to address the economic consequences of COVID-19?
Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat unsatisfied Very unsatisfied Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 19% 37% 24% 18% 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
6 To what extent are you satisfied with the government’s social programs to mitigate the consequences of COVID-19?
Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat unsatisfied Very unsatisfied Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 21% 37% 22% 17% 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
7 To what extent were you informed about the ways and measures to keep yourself safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Fully informed Somewhat informed Somewhat uninformed Totally uninformed Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 72% 24% 2%2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
8 To what extent do you approve of the Georgian Orthodox Church’s decision to hold religious rituals during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Fully approve Somewhat approve Somewhat disapprove Fully disapprove Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 37% 32% 14% 8% 9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
9 Which foreign countries have been most helpful to our country’s dealing with COVID-19? (First spontaneous response displayed)
USA 47%
China 6%
European Union 4%
Germany 1%
Turkey 1%
Other 3%
None 15%
Don't know/No answer 23%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% * Countries named by less than one percent are merged into “other.” 10 To what extent has COVID-19 been a concern for you?
Very serious Somewhat serious Not at all serious Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 17% 44% 38% 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
11 Economic Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic situation in Georgia has …
Improved a lot Improved somewhat Stayed the same
Worsened somewhat Worsened a lot Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 1% 2% 15% 42% 40% 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
13 How would you describe the current economic situation of your household?
Very good Somewhat good Somewhat bad Very bad Don’t know/No answer
Jun-20 2% 32% 43% 22% 1%
Oct-19 2% 37% 43% 17% 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
14 Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, how has the economic situation of your household changed?
Improved a lot Improved somewhat Stayed the same
Worsened somewhat Worsened a lot Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 3% 29% 42% 25% <1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
15 National Outlook In general, would you say that our country is heading in the right direction or in the wrong direction?
Right direction Wrong direction Don't know/ No answer 80% 70% 67% 68% 70% 65% 65% 65% 66% 63% 63% 59% 60% 58% 57% 60% 56% 55% 57% 54% 56% 55% 53% 51% 48% 48% 47% 48% 50% 50% 43% 43% 42% 38% 40% 38% 41% 41% 41% 41% 39% 31% 31% 29% 33% 30% 25% 36% 27% 24% 32% 25% 24% 22% 22% 23% 27% 21% 26% 20% 25% 16% 22% 22% 19% 19% 20% 10% 16% 16% 16% 15% 14% 13% 13% 12% 13% 14% 12% 11% 11% 11% 11% 11% 11% 11% 10% 10% 10% 10% 9% 0% 6%
17 In general, would you say that our country is heading in the right direction or in the wrong direction? (Disaggregated by age and settlement type)
Right direction Wrong direction Don't know/No answer
18-29 y.o. 41% 52% 7%
30-49 y.o. 40% 51% 9% AGE
50 years and older 36% 55% 9%
Rural 40% 52% 9%
Urban 38% 50% 12% SETTLEMENT
Tbilisi 36% 57% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
18 What is the most important problem facing our country today? (Respondents permitted to supply one spontaneous answer)
Economy—unemployment 46%
Economy—cost of living, high prices 17%
Poverty 10%
Economy—other/general 6%
Covid-19 pandemic 4%
Occupied territories 3%
Internal conflicts 2%
Education 2%
Healthcare 2%
Corruption 1%
Social services/benefits 1%
Agriculture 1%
Current government 1%
Other 3%
Don't know/No answer 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% * Problems named by less than 1% merged into "other" 19 What is the most important problem facing your town/village? (Respondents permitted to supply one spontaneous answer)
Unemployment 31% Roads 10% Economy 9% Drinking water 9% Ecology 5% Poverty 3% High prices 2% Social problems 2% Agriculture 2% Lack of tourists 2% Irrigation 1% Traffic jams 1% Low salaries 1% Sewer systems 1% Gas supply 1% Other 11% None 1% Don't know/No answer 8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
* Problems named by less than 1% merged into "other" 20 What is the most important problem facing your household? (Respondents permitted to supply one spontaneous answer)
Unemployment 29% Economy 17% Low salaries 7% High prices 5% Poverty 4% Health issues 3% Bank debt 2% Social problems 2% Ecology 2% Low pensions 2% Illness of a family member 1% Emigration 1% Poor living conditions 1% Expensive medication 1% Other 6% None 5% Don't know/No answer 12%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% * Problems named by less than 1% merged into "other" 21 Government and Institutions What is the main accomplishment of the current government, if any? (One spontaneous answer)
Fight against Coronavirus 25% Healthcare reform 7% Freedom of speech 3% Infrastructure 2% Democracy 2% Stability 2% Education reform 1% Roads 1% Increase of pensions 1% Visa-free travel 1% Improving the economy 1% Protection of human rights 1% Other 6% None 15% Don't know/No answer 32%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
* Accomplishments named by less than 1% merged into "other" 23 What is the biggest failure of the current government, if any? (One spontaneous answer)
False promises 9% Economic decline 7% Unemployment 6% June 20, 2019 events* 6% Occupied territories 4% Rising poverty 4% Cohabitation 3% Rising prices on product 2% Not punishing members of UNM 2% Loss of confidence 2% Currency devaluation 2% General disappointment 2% Injustice 2% Growth of corruption 2% Lack of professionalism 1% Other 7% None 3% Don't know/No answer 36% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
* - On June 20, 2019, government forces violently suppressed opposition street protests over a situation in which a Russian MP was permitted to address a gathering of international parliamentarians from the Speaker’s Chair in Parliament.
** Failures named by less than 1% merged into "other." 24 In your opinion, what is the most successful reform adopted by the current parliament within the last year, if any? (One spontaneous answer)
Healthcare reform 13%
Education reform 4%
Fight against COVID-19 3%
Increase of pensions 2%
Visa-free travel 2%
Parliamentary reform 1%
Agricultural assistance 1%
Other 6%
None 9%
Don't know/No answer 60%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
* Successful reforms named by less than 1% merged into "other." 25 Now I am going to read out the names of some Georgian institutions and organizations. Please tell me your opinion about the work of each of these institutions:
Favorable Unfavorable Don't know/No answer Georgian army 89% 8% 4% The Patriarchate of Georgia 85% 11% 4% Georgian media 71% 26% 4% House of Justice 65% 26% 9% Police 62% 33% 5% Prime Minister’s office 59% 37% 4% Local authorities 53% 41% 6% Government (Cabinet of ministers) 50% 46% 4% Public education system 49% 45% 7% Georgian Parliament 46% 51% 3% Central Election Commission 43% 50% 8% President’s Office 36% 61% 3% National Bank 34% 56% 11% Political parties 34% 58% 8% State Audit Office 33% 37% 30% Prosecutor’s Office 32% 52% 16% Courts 32% 53% 16% Governors 30% 47% 23% Trade unions 25% 46% 29% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
26 How do you assess performance of the following institutions in terms of openness and transparency?
Very open and transparent Somewhat open and transparent Somewhat not open and transparent Not at all open and transparent Don't know/No answer
Prime Minister’s Office 18% 40% 27% 12% 3%
Ministry of Justice 15% 43% 24% 11% 8%
Local authorities 12% 39% 32% 14% 3%
Police 10% 40% 30% 14% 7%
Government of Georgia 9% 39% 37% 13% 3%
President’s Office 6% 27% 33% 26% 7%
Court system 5% 25% 34% 23% 13%
Prosecutor’s Office 5% 24% 33% 23% 15%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 27 How do you feel about the direction of each of the following issues during the past year?
Progressed Neither progressed nor regressed Regressed Don’t know/No answer
Freedom of speech 40% 39% 18% 3%
Media independence 37% 42% 17% 4%
Individual human rights 34% 43% 21% 2%
Democracy 27% 42% 27% 4%
National security 24% 43% 26% 8%
Education 23% 36% 35% 5%
Fighting crime 23% 36% 35% 6%
Fighting corruption 22% 36% 33% 9%
Economy 12% 23% 64% 2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 28 What is your perception of the level of impact of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on government policy in Georgia?
NGOs have a great impact on government policy NGOs have some impact on government policy NGOs have little impact on government policy NGOs have no impact on government policy Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 11% 32% 27% 16% 15%
Oct-19 15% 35% 22% 10% 17%
Jun-19 11% 36% 21% 14% 18%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 29 What do you think is the biggest challenge for Georgia’s democratic development/future? (Respondents permitted to supply one spontaneous answer)
Economic development 9% Unemployment 6% Return of lost territories 5% Problems in education 5% Freedom of speech 5% Fight against corruption 3% Adherence to democratic principles 3% Restoration of justice 3% The rule of law 2% Democratic elections 2% Protection of human rights 2% Freedom of the media 2% Change of government 1% Strengthening currency 1% Overcoming poverty 1% Reduction of crime 1% Other 8% Don't know/No answer 41%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% *Challenges named by less than 1% merged into "other." 30 Do you believe that democracy is the best possible form of government for our country or not?
Yes, it is the best possible form of government for our country No, there are other forms of government that could be equally good for our country No, there are other forms of government that are better than democracy Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 65% 17% 6% 11%
Oct-19 71% 11% 6% 12%
Jun-19 58% 13% 6% 23%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
31 Political Parties and Platforms What will be the most important factor in determining your vote?
Party Candidate Party and candidate platform or program Party and candidate promises Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 18% 21% 42% 13% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
33 Generally, are you familiar or unfamiliar with the election programs of the parties and candidates running in your city, district or village?
Very familiar Somewhat familiar Somewhat unfamiliar Very unfamiliar Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 16% 41% 22% 20% 2%
Oct-19 13% 36% 24% 26% 1%
Jun-19 11% 36% 23% 27% 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 34 Which component of a party’s pre-election program will most likely determine your vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections? (Respondents were allowed to submit two answers)
Economic policy 62%
Healthcare and social security policy 48%
Foreign policy 15%
Vision for judicial reform 12%
Education policy 12%
Environmental policy 3%
Agricultural program <1%
None 2%
Don't know/No answer 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 35 Do you believe that at least one political party in Georgia represents your interests?
6%
12% 23%
Completely yes
Somewhat yes
Somewhat no
Completely no 18% Don't know/No answer
41%
36 Do you believe that at least one political party in Georgia represents your interests? (Disaggregated by age and settlement type)
Completely yes Somewhat yes Somewhat no Completely no Don't know/No answer
18-29 y.o. 20% 41% 16% 13% 11%
30-49 y.o. 23% 37% 21% 12% 6% AGE
50 years and older 23% 44% 17% 11% 5%
Rural 25% 43% 17% 8% 6%
Urban 24% 38% 18% 15% 5% SETTLEMENT
Tbilisi 18% 40% 21% 14% 8%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
37 Tell me how you feel about the following statement: “I am satisfied with the current state of democracy in Georgia”
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 14% 41% 25% 17% 3%
Oct-19 9% 33% 27% 24% 6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
38 Tell me how you feel about the following statement: “I am satisfied with the current state of democracy in Georgia” (Disaggregated by age and settlement type)
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/No answer
18-29 y.o. 14% 41% 28% 15% 2%
30-49 y.o. 13% 45% 21% 19% 2% AGE
50 years and older 14% 37% 27% 17% 5%
Rural 15% 41% 27% 13% 4%
Urban 14% 41% 25% 19% 2% SETTLEMENT
Tbilisi 11% 41% 23% 22% 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
39 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Is it healthy for Georgia’s democracy to have multiple parties in power?”
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 34% 39% 13% 6% 9%
Oct-19 32% 36% 13% 9% 10%
Jun-19 36% 38% 11% 8% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
40 How likely or unlikely is it that ordinary people are able to influence decisions made in our country?
Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 16% 40% 22% 19% 4%
Oct-19 21% 38% 18% 20% 3%
Jun-19 20% 26% 16% 31% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
41 Please tell me how much do you trust or distrust Georgia’s political parties?
3% 11% 21%
Completely distrust
Neither trust nor distrust
Completely trust
Don't know/No answer
64%
42 To what extent are your interests represented by the political system (government, parliament, political parties) in Georgia?
7% 10%
14%
Completely represented
Represented to some extent
Somewhat not represented
Completely not represented
Don't know/No answer
21% 49%
43 Have you heard about the March 8, 2020 agreement to change the electoral system so that parliament will have 120 proportional seats and 30 majoritarian seats?
12%
Yes, I have heard
No, I have not heard 54% 34% Don't know/No answer
44 Have you heard about the March 8, 2020 agreement to change the electoral system so that parliament will have 120 proportional seats and 30 majoritarian seats? (Disaggregated by age and settlement type)
Yes, I have heard No, I have not heard Don't know/No answer
18-29 y.o. 43% 43% 14%
30-49 y.o. 50% 38% 12% AGE
50 years and older 63% 26% 11%
Rural 51% 37% 12%
Urban 52% 35% 13% SETTLEMENT
Tbilisi 61% 28% 11%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
45 If yes, do you support or oppose adopting the revised electoral system in Georgia? (Respondents aware of the 8th March agreement, n=813)
11%
5%
8% Strongly support 41% Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Don't know/No answer
36%
46 Will the changes to electoral legislation, specifically the increase of proportional parliamentary seats from 77 to 120, positively or negatively affect democratic development in Georgia?
15%
32% Very positively
Somewhat positively
Somewhat negatively
Very negatively
Don't know/No answer
3% 39%
11%
47 If parliamentary elections were held this coming Sunday, for which party would you vote? (First choice) If your first-choice party would not be on the ballot, who would you vote for instead? (Second choice)
Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia 33% 2%
United National Movement – United Opposition 16% 4% European Georgia - Free Democrats 5% 6%
For New Georgia – Strategy Aghmashenebeli 3% 4%
Alliance of Patriots 3% 5% Labor Party 2% 4%
Civic Movement 2% 3%
Lelo for Georgia 2% 3% First choice Girchi 2% 1% Second choice Democratic Movement United Georgia 1% 2%
For Victorious Georgia 1% 1% Other 1% 3%
None 1% 1% Don't know 17% 52% Refused 11% 11%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% * Only parties named by at least one percent are displayed. 48 Which parties, if any, would you not vote for under any circumstances? (Respondents allowed to provide multiple responses)
United National Movement – United Opposition 29% Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia 25% Girchi 16% Alliance of Patriots 12% Labor Party 9% For Justice 9% Democratic Movement United Georgia 9% European Georgia - Free Democrats 7% Conservative Party 6% For Victorious Georgia 6% Lelo for Georgia 6% For New Georgia – Strategy Aghmashenebeli 5% Free Georgia 5% Republican Party 4% Civic Movement 4% Other <1% Don't know/No answer 18% Refused to answer 11% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
49 I am going to read you the names of Georgian politicians as well as public and spiritual figures. Please tell me your opinion of them:
Favorable Unfavorable Have not heard the name Don't know/No answer
Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II 89% 6% 5% Amiran Gamkrelidze 74% 17% 2% 7% Giorgi Gakharia 63% 31% 5% Kakha Kaladze 57% 37% 6% David Bakradze (European GEO) 53% 40% 7% Shalva Natelashvili 42% 51% 1% 7% Bidzina Ivanishvili 41% 51% 8% Grigol Vashadze (United Opposition) 41% 52% 7% Giorgi Vashadze (For New Georgia) 40% 50% 1% 9% David Usupashvili 37% 50% 1% 12% Nika Melia 36% 54% 1% 9% Aleko Elisashvili 34% 47% 5% 15% Archil Talakvadze 34% 52% 4% 11% Gigi Ugulava 32% 58% 10% Salome Zurabishvili 32% 62% 7% Irakli Okruashvili 30% 60% 11% Irma Inashvili 28% 63% 1% 8% Mamuka Khazaradze 27% 57% 3% 13% Nino Burjanadze 25% 66% 9% Eka Beselia 17% 72% 10% Badri Japharidze 14% 54% 14% 18% Zurab Girchi Japaridze 13% 73% 3% 11% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 50 International Relations How would you evaluate the current state of the relationship between Georgia and the following countries?
Good Neither good nor bad Bad No answer
United States 94% 3% 2% 2%
European Union 93% 3%1% 3%
Ukraine 84% 5% 7% 3%
Turkey 78% 9% 9% 5%
Armenia 71% 14% 10% 5%
Azerbaijan 68% 13% 14% 5%
China 64% 17% 10% 10%
Iran 50% 20% 15% 14%
Russia 6% 8% 84% 2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
52 Which of these countries do you consider the greatest political/economic partners to Georgia? Which of these countries pose the greatest political/economic threat? (Multiple responses accepted)
Political partners Economic partners Political threats Economic threats
82%
70% 65%
51% 51%
37%
22% 21% 18% 19% 11% 11% 10% 9% 8% 6%7% 7% 6% 7% 5% 4%5% 4% 5% 4% 5% 2%2% <1% 2% 3% 2% 3% 2% 3% 2% 3% <1 % 1%1% 1% 1%1%
United European Ukraine Turkey Azerbaijan Armenia China Russia Iran None Don't States Union know/No answer 53 How do you rate the current government’s handling of Georgia’s relationship with Russia?
Very positively Somewhat positively Somewhat negatively Very negatively Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 6% 33% 29% 23% 9%
Oct-19 7% 27% 32% 24% 10%
Jun-19 7% 26% 30% 22% 15%
Apr-18 4% 30% 31% 23% 12%
Mar-17 15% 39% 24% 11% 11%
Mar-16 14% 45% 18% 11% 11%
Feb-15 17% 42% 18% 8% 15%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 54 Given the current state of Georgia’s relationship with Russia, how secure do you feel living in Georgia?
Very secure More secure than not More insecure than secure Very insecure Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 14% 45% 29% 9% 4%
Oct-19 16% 36% 33% 11% 4%
Jun-19 16% 37% 32% 8% 7%
Apr-18 11% 37% 36% 8% 8%
Mar-17 11% 47% 28% 9% 4%
Mar-16 12% 41% 32% 10% 5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 55 Do you think that Russian aggression toward Georgia is over or is it still going on?
It is over and unlikely to resume It is over but likely to resume It is still going on Don't know/No answer Jun-20 6% 18% 72% 4% Oct-19 4% 15% 77% 4% Jun-19 5% 17% 71% 7% Mar-17 10% 23% 60% 7% Mar-16 9% 19% 67% 5% Feb-15 6% 21% 67% 6% Feb-14 7% 16% 71% 6% May-13 20% 18% 49% 13% Feb-13 19% 26% 44% 11% Nov-12 23% 19% 47% 11% Mar-12 4% 10% 78% 8% Nov-11 7% 17% 65% 11% May-11 3% 12% 72% 13% Oct-10 7% 18% 69% 6% Mar-10 5% 14% 74% 7% Oct-09 2% 11% 82% 5% Jun-09 2% 11% 82% 6% Feb-09 2% 10% 84% 4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 56 Do you support or oppose further dialogue with Russia?
Fully support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 40% 35% 8% 14% 3% Oct-19 48% 26% 9% 12% 5% Jun-19 46% 29% 7% 12% 5% Apr-18 47% 30% 7% 12% 4% Mar-17 53% 29% 6% 10% 2% Mar-16 59% 24% 4% 10% 3% Feb-15 65% 20% 4% 8% 3% Feb-14 76% 16% 3% 4% 2% May-13 82% 11% 2% 3% 2% Feb-13 82% 13% 2% 2%1% Nov-12 83% 11% 2% 2% 2% Mar-12 74% 19% 2% 3% 2% Nov-11 73% 17% 2% 4% 4% May-11 78% 16% 2% 2% 2% Oct-10 84% 12%1%1% 2% Mar-10 78% 15% 2%2% 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 57 Do you support or oppose Georgia joining NATO?
Fully support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 56% 22% 6% 7% 8% Oct-19 51% 20% 8% 11% 10% Jun-19 49% 19% 6% 13% 13% Apr-18 50% 26% 9% 9% 6% Mar-17 56% 26% 6% 7% 5% Mar-16 55% 24% 7% 9% 5% Feb-15 57% 21% 6% 9% 7% Feb-14 58% 22% 5% 8% 7% May-13 61% 19% 5% 6% 8% Feb-13 63% 19% 6% 5% 7% Nov-12 65% 17% 4% 5% 9% Mar-12 59% 20% 4% 6% 11% Nov-11 61% 19% 5% 5% 10% May-11 55% 22% 6% 6% 11% Oct-10 55% 19% 5% 9% 12% Mar-10 50% 22% 6% 9% 13% Oct-09 54% 21% 6% 6% 13% Jun-09 45% 23% 9% 12% 10% Feb-09 49% 23% 7% 10% 11% Sep-08 70% 17% 4% 4% 6% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 58 What is the main benefit of joining NATO? (Respondents supporting Georgia joining NATO, spontaneous response, n=1,172)
Security 19%
Defense 18%
Strengthened economy 12%
Return of lost territories 9%
Millitary support 7%
Stability 6%
Better future 4%
Education 2%
Visa liberalization 1%
Strengthened democracy 1%
Other 2%
Don't know/No answer 20%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
* Responses totaling less than one percent are merged into “Other.” 59 What is the biggest obstacle in the way of Georgia joining NATO?
The status of the occupied regions Internal opposition in Georgia Opposition by NATO countries Opposition by Russia Other Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 35% 11% 8% 26% 1% 19%
Oct-19 41% 11% 7% 23% 1% 17%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
60 When it comes to the status of the occupied regions, under what conditions should Georgia agree to join NATO?
Georgia should join only when the occupied regions are fully reintegrated. Georgia should join, even if occupied regions are not fully reintegrated. Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 51% 30% 19%
Oct-19 47% 31% 22%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
61 Do you support Georgia joining the European Union?
Fully support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 64% 23% 4% 3% 6%
Oct-19 59% 21% 5% 5% 10%
Jun-19 57% 18% 4% 8% 13%
Apr-18 59% 26% 6% 3% 6%
Mar-17 64% 26% 3% 3% 3%
Mar-16 63% 22% 5% 6% 4%
Feb-15 62% 23% 4% 5% 6%
Feb-14 70% 18% 3% 4% 5%
May-13 67% 20% 2% 2% 8%
Feb-13 67% 21% 3% 2% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 62 What is the main benefit of joining the European Union? (Respondents who support Georgia joining the European Union, spontaneous response, n=1,302)
Strengthened economy 43%
Visa liberalization 8%
Defence 4%
Better future 4%
Security 4%
Education 4%
Job creation 3%
Millitary support 2%
Return of lost territories 2%
Tourism development 2%
Strengthened democracy 2%
Stability 2%
Other 1%
Don't know/No answer 19%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% * Responses totaling less than one percent are merged into “Other.” 63 In your opinion, what should Georgia’s foreign policy course be?
Only pro-European Union and the West Pro-Western but keep up relations with Russia Pro-Russian but keep up relations with the European Union and the West Only pro-Russian Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 37% 45% 6% 2% 10%
Oct-19 27% 49% 12% 2% 10%
Jun-19 30% 47% 8% 2% 13%
Apr-18 27% 50% 11% 2% 9%
Mar-17 23% 53% 12% 3% 9%
Mar-16 22% 52% 11% 4% 11%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
64 Local Governance When you get together with your close relatives and friends, how often do you discuss politics and current affairs?
During all or almost all of our get-togethers During the majority of our get-togethers During some of our get-togethers, but less than half During none of our get-togethers Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 5% 18% 42% 34% 1%
Oct-19 6% 16% 44% 33% 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
66 How much do you trust or distrust Georgia's local government bodies (Mayor’s Office/Sakrebulo)?
4% 16% 16%
Fully trust
Somewhat trust
Somewhat distrust
Fully distrust 19% Don't know/No answer
45%
67 How much do you trust or distrust Georgia's local government bodies (Mayor’s Office/Sakrebulo)?
Fully trust Somewhat trust Somewhat distrust Fully distrust Don't know/No answer
Tbilisi, n=453 16% 44% 20% 16% 5%
Kakheti, n=131 6% 53% 28% 12% 2%
Shida Kartli, n=106 5% 38% 41% 17%
Kvemo Kartli, n=167 12% 45% 18% 23% 2%
Samtskhe-Javakheti, n=63 21% 55% 13% 11%
Adjara, n=139 29% 43% 14% 9% 5%
Guria, n=47 11% 55% 19% 15%
Samegrelo, n=138 24% 35% 20% 18% 3%
Imereti, n=222 21% 46% 11% 21% 2%
Mtskheta-Mtianeti, n=36* 1% 45% 13% 8% 34%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
* Due to the small sample size n, results should be interpreted with caution. 68 How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your local Sakrebulo's performance?
7% 13%
16% Fully satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Fully dissatisfied
Don't know/No answer 20% 44%
69 How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your local Sakrebulo's performance?
Fully satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Fully dissatisfied Don't know/No answer
Tbilisi, n=453 10% 44% 21% 16% 10%
Kakheti, n=131 9% 51% 24% 14% 1%
Shida Kartli, n=106 3% 38% 41% 18%
Kvemo Kartli, n=167 10% 39% 24% 21% 6%
Samtskhe-Javakheti, n=63 27% 49% 12% 13%
Adjara, n=139 24% 48% 16% 8% 5%
Guria, n=47 12% 58% 12% 18%
Samegrelo, n=138 24% 34% 17% 19% 7%
Imereti, n=222 17% 44% 14% 19% 6%
Mtskheta-Mtianeti, n=36* 1% 44% 17% 5% 34%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% * Due to the small sample size n, results should be interpreted with caution. 70 How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your local Mayor’s Office performance?
6% 14%
14%
Fully satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Fully dissatisfied
22% Don't know/No answer
44%
71 How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the performance of your local Mayor’s Office?
Fully satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Fully dissatisfied Don't know/No answer
Tbilisi, n=453 16% 45% 23% 9% 7%
Kakheti, n=131 5% 52% 26% 15% 2%
Shida Kartli, n=106 3% 40% 38% 20%
Kvemo Kartli, n=167 7% 47% 26% 15% 5%
Samtskhe-Javakheti, 31% 45% 15% n=63 9%
Adjara, n=139 25% 47% 18% 6% 5%
Guria, n=47 16% 51% 17% 16%
Samegrelo, n=138 20% 37% 18% 22% 3%
Imereti, n=222 15% 46% 12% 20% 7%
Mtskheta-Mtianeti, n=36* 1% 6% 32% 7% 54%
* Due to the small sample size n, results should be interpreted with caution. 72 Tbilisi Residents What are the two main problems that Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze needs to address? (Residents of Tbilisi, n=453; respondents permitted to supply two spontaneous answers) Environment/pollution 29% Illegal construction 17% Poor infrastructure/roads 15% Public transport 15% Traffic jams 14% Unemployment 9% Green zones 8% Lack of attention to socially vulnerable people 7% Low level of economy 6% Lack of attention to the old town districts 4% Parks, squares 2% Review of social benefits packages 3% Stray dogs 2% Illegal car parking 2% Rehabilitation of damaged houses 1% Pensions increase 1% No leisure centers for children 1% None 1% Other 12% Don't know/No answer 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% * Responses totaling less than one percent are merged into “Other.” 74 What are the two major accomplishments of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze’s Office? (Respondents permitted to supply two spontaneous answers, Residents of Tbilisi, n=453)
Introduced new municipal transport 20%
Repaired roads 20%
New squares, gardens 19%
Regulated city infrastructure 19%
Cared for city landscaping 5%
New sport fields 2%
Cared for the population 2%
Provided flats for families 2%
Helped with supplies for kindergartens 1%
Restored Mziuri 1%
Social assistance 1%
Other 10%
None 6%
Don't know/No answer 26%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
* Responses totaling less than one percent are merged into “Other.” 75 Electoral Administration Do you agree or disagree that the Central Election Commission performs its work in a trustworthy manner?
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 16% 38% 22% 18% 7%
Oct-19 13% 33% 25% 20% 9%
Jun-19 15% 33% 21% 21% 10%
Apr-18 9% 33% 21% 26% 11%
Mar-17 15% 35% 21% 14% 15%
Mar-16 15% 38% 16% 13% 18%
Feb-15 26% 43% 12% 6% 13%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 77 To what degree do you either agree or disagree with the following statements about the work of the Central Election Commission (CEC)?
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/No answer
The CEC provides regular updates and information on its 17% 34% 24% 14% 11% work to the public
The CEC provides clear and understandable information to 17% 32% 26% 15% 11% the public about the election process in Georgia
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 78 What would increase your overall trust in the electoral process? (Respondents were allowed to submit one spontaneous answer)
More transparency 17%
Fair elections 13%
Fulfilled promises 5%
No falsifications 5%
More observers 3%
Objectivity 3%
No bribes 3%
Electronic voting 2%
No pressure on voters 2%
High voter turnout 1%
Equal conditions 1%
Other 2%
Nothing 2%
Don't know/No answer 42%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% * Responses totaling less than one percent are merged into “Other.” 79 Do you trust or distrust the opinion of local election observation organizations regarding whether an election was free, fair and transparent?
Fully trust Somewhat trust Somewhat distrust Fully distrust I’m not familiar with the opinions of these organizations. Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 17% 42% 18% 13% 7% 3%
Oct-19 14% 33% 20% 18% 8% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 80 Underrepresented Groups How important or unimportant is it that all members of our country’s adult population, including women, youth, minorities and people with disabilities, are included in political decision- making?
Very important Somewhat important Somewhat unimportant Very unimportant Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 41% 41% 10% 4% 4%
Oct-19 42% 42% 7% 4% 4%
Jun-19 43% 40% 7% 4% 6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
82 If there are two candidates running for office and they have the same qualifications aside from the fact that one is a man and one is a woman, which candidate are you more likely to support?
Man Woman Makes no difference to me Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 21% 12% 67% 1%
Oct-19 24% 9% 64% 2%
Jun-19 22% 13% 63% 3%
Apr-18 28% 13% 57% 2%
Mar-17 25% 12% 60% 3%
Mar-16 31% 17% 50% 2%
Feb-15 32% 17% 48% 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 83 Currently, women comprise 14 percent of the members of parliament in Georgia. In your opinion, should there be more or fewer women in Georgian politics?
Yes, there should be more women in Georgian politics There should be the same level of women as there currently is No, there should be less women in Georgian politics Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 45% 34% 11% 10%
Oct-19 37% 31% 19% 14%
Jun-19 41% 33% 13% 13%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
*In June and October, 2019 surveys the wording of question was: “In your opinion, should there be more women in Georgian politics?”
84 In your opinion, should there be more youth in Georgian politics?
Yes, there should be more youth in Georgian politics There should be the same level of youth as there currently is No, there should be less youth in Georgian politics Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 65% 22% 9% 4%
Oct-19 67% 21% 6% 6%
Jun-19 68% 19% 6% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
85 Would you be more likely or less likely to vote for a political party that had at a high number of youth on the party list?
More likely Less likely Makes no difference to me Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 50% 21% 22% 7%
Oct-19 44% 21% 25% 9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 86 Media Which Georgian TV station’s news and political information do you trust the most? (Respondents permitted to supply two spontaneous answers)
40% Imedi TV 55% 16% Mtavari Arkhi 25% 14% Rustavi 2 36% 8% TV Pirveli 19% 2% Georgian Public Broadcasting 5% 1% Formula 4% 1% First mention Palitra News 3% 1% All mentions Obiektivi 3% 1% Maestro 3% 1% Adjara 2% 1% Other 4% 13% None 13% 1% Don't know/No answer 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 88 Which sources of information do you use for information about the current international situation? (Multiple responses accepted)
Georgian TV 85%
Social media 33%
Georgian internet news sites 10% Respondents using social media, n=491 Russian TV stations 4% - Facebook – 100% Georgian print media 4% - Instagram – <1%
Georgian radio stations 3%
Western TV 2%
Other 2%
None - I don’t seek information about the current 4% international situation
Don't know/No answer 1%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
89 Is Georgian Mass Media (TV, radio and press) free to express various political views?
Totally free Somewhat free Not very free Not free at all Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 21% 50% 16% 7% 6% Oct-19 16% 43% 21% 8% 12% Jun-19 19% 44% 21% 6% 10% Apr-18 17% 50% 18% 7% 8% Mar-17 18% 51% 20% 5% 6% Mar-16 23% 54% 13% 3% 6% Feb-15 30% 53% 7% 1% 9% Feb-14 29% 55% 7% 1% 8% May-13 22% 59% 7% 1% 10% Feb-13 27% 55% 8% 1% 9% Nov-12 17% 56% 14% 3% 10% Mar-12 14% 40% 21% 11% 14% Nov-11 14% 38% 25% 9% 14% May-11 16% 42% 19% 7% 16% Oct-10 13% 39% 22% 11% 15% Mar-10 11% 43% 22% 9% 15% Oct-09 15% 37% 23% 11% 14% Jun-09 10% 35% 25% 14% 15% Feb-09 14% 35% 26% 14% 11% Sep-08 13% 44% 24% 8% 11% Feb-08 10% 41% 28% 13% 7% Sep-07 13% 47% 28% 5% 7% Feb-07 22% 53% 14% 2% 9% Apr-06 17% 51% 20% 4% 8% Oct-05 20% 45% 16% 3% 16% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
90 Why do you think that Georgian mass media is not free to express various political views? (Percentage of respondents holding this opinion)
58% 67% 64% 76% Government puts pressure on media 76% 71% 41% 45% 19% 13% 20% 9% Media is corrupt 9% 7% 15% 12% 9% 7% 4% 5% Media does not report bad news 3% 10% Jun-20, n=341 9% 13% Oct-19, n=438 2% Jun-19, n=414 4% 3% Apr-18, n=373 Other 1% 1% Mar-17, n=368 2% 1% Mar-16, n=248 12% 13% Feb-15, n=125 9% 8% Feb-14, n=312 Don't know/No answer 11% 11% 33% 28% 91 How many times per week do you access the internet?
Every day 4-6 times per week 1-3 times per week Less than weekly Never Don't know/No answer
Jun-20 62% 5% 5% 2% 25% 1%
Oct-19 56% 4% 6% 3% 31%
Jun-19 55% 6% 7% 1% 30% 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
92 Where do you access the internet? (Internet users, multiple responses accepted)
85% 87% 90% Home 92% 87% 82% 46% 55% 46% Mobile phone 38% 26% 24% 23% 28% 22% Work 19% 19% 20% 12% 14% Jun-20, n=1122 Friend's house 12% 5% Oct-19, n=1041 4% 4% Jun-19, n=1024
1% Apr-18, n=893 Other 1% Mar-17, n=866 1% Mar-16, n=766 1% 1% 1% Don't know/No answer 2% 1% 93 Which social media sites do you use most often? (Respondents permitted to supply three spontaneous answers, Internet users)
94% 92% 89% Facebook 85% 87% 83% 22% 20% Instagram 16%
5% 2% 1% Twitter 3% 3% 4% 2% 2% 1% Linkedin 1% 1% 1% <1% 7% Jun-20, n=1122 5% Odnoklasniki 8% Oct-19, n=1041 16% 32% Jun-19, n=1024
2% Apr-18, n=893 Vkontakte 2% 1% Mar-17, n=866 2% 3% Mar-16, n=766 5% None 7% 9% 7% 2% 1% 1% 3% Don't know/Refuse to answer 3% 3% 7% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 94 Demographics Demographics Male 47%
Female 53% GENDER 18-29 years 20%
30-49 years 36% AGE 50 years and older 44% Georgian 95% Armenian 2% Azeri 2% ETHNICITY Other 1% Unfinished secondary 2% Secondary 40% Vocational 16%
EDUCATION Higher, incomplete higher 42% Blue collar 8% Farmer 2% White collar 9% Executive 10% Retired 18%
Student 3% OCCUPATION Homemaker 13% Unemployed 28% Self-employed 10% 96 Demographics
Orthodox 92% Muslim 5%
Other 3% RELIGION None 1% Tbilisi 30%
Other town 27% TYPE
Rural area 43% SETTLEMENT Tbilisi 30% Kakheti 9% Shida Kartli 7% Kvemo Kartli 11% Samtskhe-Javakheti 4%
Ajara 9% REGIONS Guria 3% Samegrelo 9% Imereti 15% Mtskheta-Mtianeti 2%
97 Center for Insights in Survey Research 202.408.9450 | [email protected] www.IRI.org | @IRI_Polls