site.btaFamily, Peace, Security Are Top-ranked Values in Trend Survey

Sofia, October 31 (BTA) - Bulgarians value family, peace and security the most, the Trend Research Centre found in a nationally representative survey.

It was conducted among 1,004 people on October 3-10 and was commissioned by the Institute of Right-wing Policy. Its findings were presented at a BTA-hosted news conference on Monday.

More than 90 per cent of respondents say education and health care should be free, and 86 per cent want a guaranteed minimum income for all and a job for every Bulgarian who wants to work.

Trend's Dimiter Ganev commented that while Bulgarians expect the State to pay a significant role in their life, they are not ready to pay higher taxes. Sixty per cent want lower taxes even though this would mean less money for social benefits and services. In contrast, 25 per cent of respondents say taxes should be higher to ensure larger spending on benefits and social services.

The analysts summed up as conservative the attitude towards refugees, migrants, same-sex marriage, the Roma, and the legalization of soft drugs and prostitution.

The respondents are sceptical about receiving refugees in Bulgaria and do not differentiate between refugees and illegal economic migrants from the Middle East. Asked about whether this country should accept refugees, 84 per cent are against. Likewise, 82 per cent are against taking in illegal economic migrants. Ten per cent answered both questions in the affirmative.

Same-sex marriage and child adoption by such couples elicited negative answers from 75 per cent and 77 per cent of respondents respectively. Fewer than one in five respondents (17 per cent) view same-sex marriage favourably.

Also, 72 per cent of Bulgarians object to the legalization of marijuana (although an age pattern is seen in the opinions) and 69 per cent are against legalized prostitution.

However, 77 per cent say abortions should not be banned and just 13 per cent are in favour of a ban.