site.btaGallup International Survey Shows 81% of People Think Valeri Simeonov Should Resign

108 POLITICS - GALLUP - SURVEY

Gallup International Survey
Shows 81% of People Think
Valeri Simeonov Should Resign


Sofia, November 5 (BTA) - Eighty-one per cent of people interviewed by Gallup International believe Deputy Prime Minister Valeri Simeonov should resign because of his offensive statement about the mothers of children with disabilities three weeks ago. Data was announced on Monday, after a telephone survey conducted by Gallup Int. from October 27 to November 2 among 800 people across Bulgaria.

The survey began before the scandal involving the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad (SABA), whose work is coordinated by Simeonov. Twenty SABA officers were arrested last week on suspicion of bribery in connection with the award of Bulgarian citizenship.

The Gallup data shows that the majority think Simeonov should resign, while 15 per cent are against, and the rest cannot say.

The idea about Simeonov's resignation is opposed by 60 per cent of United Patriots followers. It is the opposite for GERB followers, with 40 per cent against and 50 per cent for.

A majority of 56 per cent are against the whole government's resignation, 34 per cent are for, and the rest cannot say.

The question about the government's resignation evoked varied opinions, said sociologists, adding that most public groups are against. Bulgarian Socialist Party followers are mostly in favour. People distanced from politics, who would abstain from voting in elections, have differing opinions.

Sixty-four per cent believe that Prime Minister Boyko Borissov is also responsible for the Simeonov situation, while 31 per cent believe the opposite. The rest cannot say.

Almost all strata of society believe Borissov is responsible for that situation, said the sociologists. Only GERB followers are of the opposite opinion, while United Patriots followers have differing opinions. RY/TH

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