The survey shows strong and stable support for national defence. In the event of a military attack, 81% of the population would support armed resistance. This figure aligns with the results of a survey conducted by the Ministry of Defence in the spring, targeting a slightly narrower demographic of residents aged 15 to 74. In the event of a military attack, 60% of people are ready to personally participate in defence activities.
The importance of Russia’s information channels has fallen to a record low. In September, 8% of respondents from other nationalities viewed Russian TV channels as one of their most important sources of information, while only 6% felt the same about Russian news portals. In summer, both figures were around 10%. In the spring, 15% of the population of other nationalities considered Russian TV channels important, and 19% in summer 2022.
Condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression also remains steadily high. Support for the military aid to Ukraine remains at 60%. The same number of people considered the disassociation of the Estonian Orthodox Church from the Moscow Patriarchate to be justified.
In September, the transition to Estonian-language education began for children with a different first language in first and fourth grades, as well as in kindergartens. The start of the transition did not diminish support for the reform. In both June and September, 73% of the population believed that the transition would provide all children in Estonia, regardless of their first language, with equal opportunities to receive a quality education in Estonian.
Of all the concerns identified in the survey, the most pressing issue for Estonian citizens is the rise in everyday costs. In autumn, 88% of people were very concerned about this, compared to 83% in spring and summer.
87% of the population is concerned about the general economic situation in Estonia, up from 84% in the summer.
Compared to June, the share of people who think tax changes are necessary has fallen from 48% to 37%. The tax changes are seen as unnecessary especially by middle-aged people, people of other nationalities, people living in North-East Estonia, and people with economic difficulties.
The survey showed that trust in constitutional institutions has decreased in September compared to the summer. The credibility of the parliament has decreased the most, from 40% in June to 27% in September. The government is trusted by 32% of people, down from 39% in June, and trust in the president fell from 69% to 65% in June.
1,258 Estonian residents aged 15 or over participated in the survey conducted by Turu-uuringute AS.
The results of the survey are available on the website of the Government Office: https://www.riigikantselei.ee/sites/default/files/documents/2024-10/2024%2009%20AA%2020%20seire%20raport.pdf
