The pension reform has become the main development in 2018, according to a survey by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center.
The majority of Russians named the pension reform a “number one event” for the country in 2018 (24% respondents). The other main trends for Russians include the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosted by Russia (13% votes) and completion of the Crimean Bridge (8%), according to RIA Novosti. The VAT increase and the gas price hike also made it to the rating, with 4% respondents voting for these events. As for the global events, the Russians named the FIFA World Cup (12%), the war in Syria (9%) and opening of the Crimean Bridge (6%).
Interestingly, the ranking of global events also includes the pension reform, with 5% interviewees voting for it. Among the most important events is also the conflict with Ukraine and the seizure of a Ukrainian vessel in the Kerch Strait. Both events got 2% each. Sociologists of the Russian Public Opinion Research Center conducted the survey in December 2018 among Russian citizens aged 18 and older.