In the last 25 years, Russians have most often said that their mood in recent days has been normal, even. Tension and irritation in society is gradually decreasing and is currently at the lowest level for the entire observation period, at the same time, in May 2024, the maximum indicators of the excellent mood of Russians (16%) were recorded. The majority of Russians believe that things in the country are going in the right direction, bearing in mind the “correctly pursued state policy (both foreign and domestic)”, “social development”, “struggle for peace”. Almost one in five respondents says that the country is moving along the wrong path, referring to “rising prices, small pensions, inflation,” “economic decline,” “irremovability of power, corruption.”

Since the end of 1999, a normal, even state has prevailed among Russians (67% in May 2024), before that, respondents were more likely to talk about their tension and irritation, but now this indicator is at its historical minimum (12%). Also, for the first time since 1994, the number of respondents with a good mood (16%) exceeded the number of respondents experiencing tension and irritation. 4% of the respondents say that they experience fear and longing.

Young people under the age of 24 (26%), respondents who can afford durable goods (22%), as well as those who believe that things in the country are going in the right direction (18%) are more likely to talk about a good mood. Respondents aged 55 and over (15%), respondents who barely have enough to eat (22%) and those who believe that the country is moving on the wrong path (24%) are more likely to say that they are experiencing tension and longing.

The majority of Russians (71%) believe that things are going in the right direction in the country. This indicator remains at the same level as a month ago after a slight decrease in March. The share of respondents who hold the opinion that the country is moving along the wrong path is currently 17%, another 13% found it difficult to answer the question.

Respondents who believe that things in the country are going in the right direction, most often mean the following: “development of the economy and the country/import substitution” – 23%, “the right policy (internal and external)” – 18%, “social development and support” – 17%, “We are fighting for peace” – 15%,”welfare growth, salaries, we are not starving” – 13%. 

Respondents who believe that the country is moving along the wrong path are more likely to mean “SVO lasts long/death of our guys/many victims” – 42%, “rising prices, impoverishment of the people, small pensions, salaries” – 27%, “economic decline, unemployment” – 26%, “irremovability of power, wrong government, corruption” – 22%.