ALMOST half of the people in Slovakia remain sceptical with respect in their assessment of the economic situation in the country over the past 12 months, according to the latest consumer barometer for April released by the Statistics Office on May 26 and by the TASR newswire.
The survey showed that only 13 percent of Slovaks think that the economic situation in their country has improved over the past year, while another 36 percent consider it to be unchanged. As stated earlier, as many as 48 percent of the respondents think that the situation has worsened.
In the meantime, when future prospects were considered, 20 percent of those surveyed said that they think the economic situation in the country will improve over the next year, while another 40 percent think that nothing will change and 35 percent expect a decline.
With respect to future developments in consumer prices, most of the respondents (65 percent) are of the opinion that the prices of goods and services will record further hikes in the next 12 months. Another quarter of those surveyed predict that consumer prices will stay at the current level, while 5 percent hope for a certain reduction in price levels.
In addition, 22 percent of people think that the unemployment rate will go down in the course of the next 12 months. Another 37 percent are more sceptical, predicting that the figure will stay put, and yet another 39 percent stated that increases will follow.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Michaela Terenzani from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information
presented in its Flash News postings.
