site.btaArmy's Reputation Improves Significantly in 2017 - Gallup Poll

Sofia, December 12 (BTA) - The Army's reputation among the Bulgarian public has improved significantly in 2017, with trust levels reaching 51 per cent, while the lack thereof has dropped to 33 per cent, shows Gallup poll data, based on the polling agency's traditional monthly political and economic index.

According to sociologists, the Army has additionally solidified its traditionally high rating as one of the most reputable institutions. The Army is among the few institutions whose levels of trust and mistrust have been of similar values throughout the years.

Trust in Defence Minister Krassimir Karakachanov has been revolving around 20-25 per cent in 2017, which places him among the politicians with relatively high approval ratings, sociologists said.

According to the data, trust in the police this year has reached 46 per cent, compared to around 30 per cent a couple of years ago. Lack of confidence in the police has dropped from a little under 60 per cent two years ago to the current 44 per cent.

The last tangible trust peak in the police was during GERB's first term in office, when then interior minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov's work was in the spotlight, Gallup recalled. Trust in the police reached a brief peak value close to 50 per cent. This feeling was dissipated towards the end of 2010 by scandals revolving around Tsvetanov.

Over 10 per cent of the adult population view Interior Minister Valentin Radev positively, while his personality remains little known to close to 40 per cent.