Every second Russian (51%) considers the decision to introduce a long January vacation a successful one. This is evidenced by a survey conducted by the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion. At the same time, a third of respondents (33%) oppose a long weekend in connection with the New Year.
The VTsIOM recalled that long New Year and Christmas holidays were set 15 years ago, whereas earlier only January 1, 2, and 7 were considered holidays. Then a new initiative was considered successful by 36% of Russians, 27% of respondents were unhappy with this fact.
Along with this, 63% of Russian citizens who assess their financial situation as good are in favor of long winter vacations. At the same time, 46% of Russians oppose their financial situation as bad. In addition, 47% of respondents 60 years and older also do not consider the long January weekend to be successful. Young Russians speak for long winter holidays: 18-24 years old (75%) and 25-34 years old (66%).
“Traditions are being formed by new generations of citizens. In the picture of the world of modern youth, long New Year holidays are already a tradition, a given. And in order to cancel or modify them, it will take no less heated discussion, comparable to the one that happened 15 years ago and whose echoes are well remembered by older generations, ”said Stepan Lvov, Strategic Development Director of the VTsIOM.
At the same time, the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion reminded that in 2005 the idea of transferring holidays to May dates was widespread. Then 27% of Russians supported an increase in the number of weekends per year, but preferred that they be held in May. At the moment, only 3% of respondents support this idea.
According to the calendar of working and non-working days approved by the Russian government, in 2020 248 working days and 118 days off were set. The longest eight-day holidays have already ended. In the spring, Russians expect a long May weekend, due to the celebration of Labor Day (from May 1 to 5) and Victory Day (from May 9 to 11).
- RIA News
- © Vladimir Astapkovich
"The best would be to reduce the New Year holidays"
According to the director of the Center for Political Analysis Pavel Danilin, such a long holiday weekend is not the best solution.
“There are various dangers and temptations that can lead to increased crime, alcohol and food poisoning. On the second and third of January, statistics show a significant increase in crime. Accordingly, taking into account the general attitude of our state towards a healthy lifestyle, it would be optimal to reduce the New Year holidays until December 31 and January 1, so that it would be no more than two days. Long holidays, that of May, that of January, are harmful to the health of the nation. The whole country does not work for almost 15 days. One could understand if this concerned a small number of the population, but not the whole country. Holidays need to be shortened. If we walk to provide rest for the population, it is better to add weekends to some other holidays. So that this does not affect production and the country's economy as a whole, ”explained the source.
In turn, Nikita Maslennikov, the head of the Finance and Economics department of the Institute for Contemporary Development, believes that a discussion is needed on how appropriate such a long vacation is.
“The assessment is clear and unambiguous. The impact on the economy, growth and GDP is negative. Talk about this in the expert community has been going on for a long time. As soon as we began to face the holidays, we began to consider the loss. There is a lot of controversy, but in general we believe that the net deduction of those industries that are associated with a continuous cycle due to holidays is about 1 trillion. rubles, ”emphasizes Maslennikov.
At the same time, the expert adds, there is another point of view, according to which people spend money in eight days: “And they spend a lot. These are holidays, shops, events. And if you look at the effect on consumer demand, then this is a good and definite contribution to the economy. Accordingly, there is a net deduction and a net plus. In these efforts, the negative factors associated with losses from non-working industries are very harmful. ”