SERGEI TOVKES, COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

I am not satisfied at all with the economic situation in Russia. I don't even know the complete economic picture. I am sure it is not going to be better any time soon, because everyone has to change personally. People have to understand their contribution to society and do their jobs very well. This will help improve the economic situation. Everyone has to understand their impact on both the society and the economy.

SERGEI LOBANOV, PH.D. IN PHYSICS AND MATH

I am pretty happy with the economic situation in our country nowadays. Of course, there are some aspects to improve, but I wouldn't like to go back and live in the past even though progress could have been faster and the situation more stable. As far as I am concerned, I am happy to do the same as I did in Soviet times and receive pretty good money for it. So, I can't complain, even though I know that abroad I can make more money doing the same thing.

ANDREI MELYAKOV, MANAGER

I am glad to live in Russia, and I am very pleased with its economic situation today. I am satisfied with the political decisions of President Putin and Kasyanov's government. There have been positive results, such as an increase in wages, stipends and pensions. It is evident that people are starting to go out. They are looking happy and content with their lives. A lot of affordable cafes, restaurants and stores have opened up in Moscow.

PAVEL GUBIN, LOGISTICS SPECIALIST

I am not happy with the economic situation in our country because production development has slowed compared to 2001. I was especially worried about the situation in Russia's regions during the latest cold spell. It is sad that people are freezing in their own homes. Authorities were not prepared to deal with the situation and didn't pay enough attention to this problem. I think the situation in Russia could have been better. However, I am totally satisfied with my own financial situation.

LILYA NUREYEVA, STUDENT

I am very much satisfied with our economy in general and with my personal finances in particular. I have had the opportunity to work for a big Western company while being a student. The economy of the country is stabilizing at the moment, and that's positive. Of course, I wish our pensioners received bigger pensions. I am very much concerned about the disadvantaged groups in society. Unlike European pensioners, who can afford to travel, our pensioners can only dream about visiting other countries. Why is that?

ANTON MUSATOV, RISK-ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST

The country is undergoing the necessary reforms. Even though they are not efficient, it's important that they are taking place nonetheless. In the previous years there were no tax reforms. The economy is going through some serious structural changes, and I am pretty happy with that. I hope these changes will have a positive impact on private and state-owned businesses. Even though general economic growth is only 4 percent now, compared to 8 percent in 2001, Russia has got good opportunities for growth compared to Western countries, most of which are experiencing economic recessions.