Source: The Slovak Spectator web page, 31.7.2009

Many Slovak citizens are concerned about corruption and cronyism in the government based on a survey carried out by the Institute for Public Affairs (IVO) from July 1-7 on a sample of 1,017 people aged over 18, the TASR newswire reported.

The survey found that 74% of the respondents were concerned about corruption and cronyism while 17 percent said that they are not concerned. Five percent said they weren’t aware of a problem and four percent didn't know what to say about it.

According to Zora Bútorová of IVO, the concern about corruption and cronyism was expressed by both women and men, people of all age categories, level of education, and economic status.

“The more scathing opinion, however, was characteristic for men, well-educated people, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs and sole traders,” said Bútorová to TASR on July 30.

The concerned citizens include not only the supporters of opposition partie but also supporters of ruling-coalition parties: Smer,HZDS and SNS. However, the opinions of the sympathisers of the opposition are more searing than those of coalition parties' supporters, Bútorová said.