A large majority of Russians prefer security over freedom when it comes to the role the government should play in their lives, a recent public opinion poll found.
According to a Levada Center poll published Wednesday, 83 percent of respondents believe the state should take care of its citizens compared to only 9 percent who believe people should solve their own problems.
On the topic of the current political situation in Russia, 60 percent of those polled said there was enough freedom in Russia, while 17 percent added liberties should be curtailed further.
A small majority, 55 percent, said preserving law and order is more important for Russia today than human rights, while 38 percent of respondents had the opposite view.
When asked what political system they preferred, 56 percent said Russia should be a democracy but 38 percent said it should be a democratic system based on national traditions and the unique character of the country.
The poll, conducted between Aug. 23 and Aug. 26, questioned 1,601 respondents in 130 cities across Russia and contained a 3.4 percent margin of error.
