At the beginning of this year the Territorial Army Act came into effect, creating a Territorial Army to be one component of Poland’s armed forces, an addition and complement to the country’s existing defensive potential.

Over a half of Polish people (55%) have heard about the armed groups in post-war Poland, which struggled against the new, Soviet-imposed authorities. Six people in a hundred (6%) describe their knowledge of the subject as extensive, over a third (36%) say it is average, while approximately one in eight (13%) say it is poor. In this context the date of the 1st of March – National Cursed Soldiers Remembrance Day – appears to be barely recognised. Only one person in twenty (5%) seems to have heard of it.

The parliamentary acts to reform the education system, which abolish middle (junior high) schools and change the national curriculum, were voted in by the Sejm in December and signed by the President in January, but continue to fuel controversy and anxiety in various quarters, not all of them political. Those Polish people who have heard about this reform are very divided as to the changes it will bring to education. One third of respondents (34%) are more hopeful than anxious about the reform and an almost equal percentage (31%) has mixed feelings in this respect, while over a quarter (27%) are more anxious than hopeful.

Donald Tusk’s term of office as president of the European Council will be ending shortly. The former prime minister of Poland is prepared to continue in the role for another two and a half years. Over half of those asked (52%) were of the opinion that the Polish government should support his re-election.

Currently over a quarter of respondents (28%) agree with the statement that in certain situations undemocratic government is more desirable than democratic, while over a half (52%) is of the opposite opinion. A discernable rise in criticism of undemocratic political methods occurred after the last general election and was evident in last year’s opinion polls. Not only is the level of this criticism higher this year than in 2016, but it is also the highest recorded since 1992.

The way Polish people feel about themselves has undergone a visible improvement since the beginning of the 1990s. There has been a significant rise in the percentage of respondents who frequently, or very frequently, experience positive emotions such as satisfaction that they have accomplished something in life, confidence that everything is going well, pride in their achievements and also a feeling of being interested or excited about something.

During the protest in the lower chamber of parliament, the idea emerged of early elections to the Sejm and the Senate. If such elections were to take place, according to public opinion they would not lead to a change of government. Half of those asked believe that Law and Justice would stay at the helm, while just over a quarter (28%) think there would be a change.

Happiness levels over the past two years have been at their highest since 1994, when Polish people were asked about their avowed happiness for the first time. At the end of 2016 just over three quarters of adults (76%) said they were happy with their lives as a whole, the same proportion as a year previously. The percentage of those who declared themselves to be moderately happy with their lives was also virtually unchanged (21%). There continued to be only a small group who expressed unhappiness with their lives in general (3%), and most of these actually said they were rather unhappy (2%). The biggest influence on how happy people felt about their lives was their perception of what the future held for them.

Indicators of social mood used in our research include evaluations of and forecasts for Poland’s economy and politics, respondents’ workplaces and their own household finances.

CBOS is obligated to monitor the mood of the public, so during this heated parliamentary crisis we decided entrust Kantar Public (formerly TNS) with a brief telephone poll.

Compared to the previous decade, there has been an increase in the number of people who know someone from abroad now living in Poland (from 26% in 2010 to 33% now). Most often these are Ukrainians (known by 17% of respondents now, 6% in 2010). There has also been a rise in the proportion of respondents who actually know someone who employs people from abroad (from 14% in 2010 to 26% now).

The flu season is in full swing. What do Polish people think about flu vaccination? What encourages them to get the flu jab and what puts them off?

After thirty-five years since the declaration of martial law (which lasted from December 1981 to July 1983), we can observe the beginnings of the institutionalisation of knowledge about that period and changes in sources of information. Although for most Poles their own experiences remain the main source of their knowledge, nevertheless clear differences between generations have emerged. Respondents who were children in 1981-1983 for the most part get their knowledge from family and friends, while those born after martial law rely to a much greater extent on information provided by schools. Only a quarter of the youngest age group (under 25) said that the accounts of people they knew were their main source of information. This shows that gradually martial law is changing from being something people learn about through the lens of individual experience and is starting to become part of the systematised knowledge of history. This also influences opinions about whether it was right to bring it in.

Polish attitudes to the recently-signed economic and trade agreement between the EU and Canada (CETA) are neither unambiguously positive nor negative. However, more people declare themselves to be in favour (42%) than opposed (31%). Many of the doubts concerning this trade deal with Canada are focused on the consequences for both producers and consumers of food. Unsurprisingly, the percentage of farmers opposed to CETA is higher than that in other socio-economic groups (48% opposed, compared to 28% in favour).

The issue of parents of school-age children paying for various educational and other extra-curricular activities is one that CBOS has been looking at since 1998. Up until now a large part of all parents did not send their children to participate in such activities. Currently, however, as many as 61% of those asked have declared that at least one of their children is attending extra-curricular, paid classes (in school or out of school) or will start in this school year. The rise in the percentage of families intending to pay for their children’s participation in such activities, in or out of school, is directly linked with an increase in the percentage of school-age children attending these classes, since a decided majority of parents who have decided to pay for their children’s extra-curricular activities intend to do this for all of their children (82% of this group, which amounts to 49% of all those with school-age children, compared to 40% in 2015-16). Most parents (39%, up 9 percentage points from last year) intend to send their children to paid sporting activities.

When comparing Poles’ declared feelings about their national identity in 2010 and 2016, it can be seen that the percentage of those who frequently feel proud to be Polish has markedly risen (from 24% to 38%), while the percentage of those embarrassed by their nationality has remained fairly constant (since 2010 the number of those who frequently feel embarrassed has minimally increased, but at the same time so have the numbers of those who never or rarely feel this way). If the stated feelings of pride and embarrassment are taken together, it can be seen that over the period 2010-2016 there has been an increase in the number of Polish people feeling only pride in their national identity (from 62% to 70%) and in those feeling both pride and embarrassment (from 4% to 6%), while there has been a drop in the number for whom their national identity is neither a source of pride nor embarrassment (from 30% to 21%).

For outside observers this year’s presidential election in the USA is exceptional, if only for the fact that the candidates of both main parties are people who have been known for years, not only to American voters but to public opinion worldwide. Although only 36% of Poles say they are interested in this election, almost three-quarters (74%) think that the choice of the next president of the USA is important to Poland. Four years ago a majority of Poles also thought who sat in the Oval Office was important to our country, yet the importance of this year’s election is perceived by significantly more people. Now only 19% of those asked are of the view that the US presidential election is irrelevant to Poland, whereas in 2012 almost two-fifths (39%) expressed such an opinion.

Although the majority of respondents have a lot of trust in their doctors, still virtually six out of ten Internet users (59%, or 40% of all respondents) say that they have been known to check their diagnosis and the doctor’s advice online or, after the appointment, have simply looked for additional information about methods of treatment, medicines prescribed or recommended operations.

The perception that more and more Polish people are adopting a healthy lifestyle is growing systematically and significantly. Over the last four years the proportion of respondents able to discern signs of people taking responsibility for their health has risen by 13 percentage points, while there has been a more than three-fold jump (from 19% to 64%) since 1993. At the same time the proportion of those who think healthy lifestyles are uncommon in Poland has been diminishing (a drop of 35 percentage points since 1993).

Indicators of social mood used in our research include evaluations of and forecasts for Poland’s economy and politics, respondents’ workplaces and their own household finances. Quarterly findings are presented in the context of the three preceding months, so that patterns of change in mood can be discerned with greater clarity.

The plan to ban Sunday trading has almost twice as many supporters (61%) as opponents (32%).

After the NATO summit and World Youth Day, both organised this year in Poland, there has been a significant change in perception of the competence of Polish authorities and government institutions to ensure safety. Previously a majority of citizens negatively assessed their ability to counter terrorist attacks; data collected successively since 2013 showed this majority to be between 55% and 63%. Currently, over two fifths of those asked (44% – an increase of 24 percentage points since April) believe that Polish authorities and government institutions are well prepared to counter terrorist attacks, while one third (33% – a drop of 30 points) is of the opposite opinion.

Polish law concerning organ donation after death is based on the principle of presumed consent. This means that all deceased people are potential donors unless they have previously put their names on a special register withdrawing consent for organ donation. In practice, however, doctors take the feelings of the deceased’s family into consideration. This means that if the family say they do not want organs to be donated, doctors will usually not go ahead with donation, even though there is no legal basis for this.

One in four people admit that in their household food has been thrown away within the last seven days. Figures show that people in top jobs and school or university students are more likely to throw food away than older people, especially those who think their financial situation is poor.

Based on what Polish people say, it appears that they particularly appreciate doctors’ competence and commitment, also the easy access to primary health care. On the other hand, they have most reservations concerning access to specialists and diagnostic tests.

Polish people are of the opinion that the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day in Kraków will promote our country worldwide (88%) and add to Poland and Kraków’s prestige (84%). At the same time, a majority of people (69%) believe it carries the risk of a terrorist attack, even though the survey was carried out before the attack in Nice on 14 July. Just over a half of Poles (55%) think that the police and other services are well prepared to ensure the safety of participants of World Youth Day, while one in three (33%) has no opinion on this. Polish people are divided as to whether World Youth Day will create problems for the city of Kraków and its inhabitants and also on the question of whether it will serve to deepen Polish people’s religious faith. Many people are unable to say whether the event is badly organised or too expensive.

A decided majority of Polish people (79%) are worried that Poland’s participation in action against so-called Islamic State could result in terrorist attacks by Muslim fundamentalists within the country. Fear of such attacks in connection with Poland’s engagement against ISIS is considerably higher than that noted in 2007-2008 in relation to Poland’s participation in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At CBOS we reach our conclusions about the population through the use of statistical methods, which allow us to evaluate in a representative manner such things as support for political parties. Making use of statistical methods means that we have to use random samples. Thanks to these we can both reach conclusions about the population and determine the scale of statistical error in our evaluations. For more about our methodology (in Polish only) please see the CBOS website, in the BADANIA tab.

Over the last seventeen years a decided majority of Polish people have been in favour of Poland belonging to NATO, but never have pro-NATO attitudes been as widespread among Poles as during the past two years. Currently 79% of those asked support our country’s membership of the North Atlantic Alliance, with as many as 44% being decided supporters. Only one in four Poles (4%) are against. Those who do not have an opinion on this matter are also in a decided minority (6%).

Poland’s membership of the European Union meets with the approval of the great majority of Poles (83%). This approval is more frequent than average in the 35‑44 age group, although, if taking into account only those who say they are decidedly in favour, the 45‑64 age group stands out in particular. The greatest level of opposition to our country’s presence in the EU – double the average – can be observed among the youngest respondents, those aged 18‑24.

The 4th of July is Independence Day in the USA. To mark this occasion we present the attitudes of Polish people to Americans.

Indicators of social mood used in our research include evaluations of and forecasts for Poland’s economy and politics, respondents’ workplaces and their own household finances. Quarterly findings are presented in the context of the preceding months, so that patterns of change in mood can be discerned with greater clarity.

There has been a significant worsening in people’s assessment of Polish-German relations. The current dominant perception among Poles is that relations are neither good nor bad, an opinion shared by 54% of those questioned. While in November 2015 almost half (48%) were of the opinion that relations with Germans were good, now only 29% think so.

In the opinion of over a quarter of adult Poles, the Polish team at the men’s football European Championship is playing in the same group as the current world champions and the potential winners of the tournament in one, i.e. Germany. Nevertheless, the chances of Poland winning Euro 2016 are thought to be considerably higher than those of the remaining two teams in the group.

The Polish team will be playing in the football European Championship for the third time, having got through the qualifiers for only the second time, as in 2012 they automatically qualified as co-hosts. Before the start of the tournament most Polish people (55%) were sure that the team would get through the group stage to the knockout stage, while 6% even saw them in the Euro 2016 final.

The changes that occurred as a result of the last election, the appearance of new parties and political initiatives in particular, have caused Polish people to feel that the political scene has now become more representative. Currently just under a quarter (23%) of those entitled to vote in Poland cannot find any party or political movement to express their outlook, meet their needs or represent their interests. This is decidedly less than was noted in 2013 and 2014 under the previous quasi-two party political system (34% and 35% respectively).

People in Poland regularly using the internet make up two-thirds (65%) of all adults. The vast majority (86% of them, or 56% of the total interviewed) go online via a wireless connection, using devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. Over the last few years this group has expanded rapidly: six years ago wireless users made up less than half of all those going online, but by 2012 this had risen to almost two-thirds, and two years ago it was over three-quarters.

Poles are finding it easier to work out their income tax. Currently the majority (54%) of those who pay income tax by self assessment say that filling in their tax return (PIT) is easy, a quarter (24%) say it is hard and a fifth (22%) have no clear opinion on the subject. The percentage of people who find filling in their tax return difficult is the lowest since 1997.

There is a continuing high level of support for Poland’s membership of the European Union: for over two years the proportion of people in favour of the counrty being part of the community has not dropped below 80%. In April, 85% of respondents declared support for Poland’s continuing presence in the EU. Those against membership made up less than a tenth of those asked (9%).

From next year the existing TV and radio licence fee is to be replaced by a new audio-visual charge. This would be compulsory for all households (with some exceptions), irrespective of whether they actually have a radio or a TV. The charge is to be added to the electricity bill, which will facilitate its collection. From the responses of those asked, it appears that one third (35%) of Poles are in favour of replacing the current TV and radio licence with an audio-visual charge, while six out of ten (60%) are against. Attitudes to introducing the audio-visual charge in place of the licence fee are currently a little less positive than three years ago, when people were first asked about the change.

Our latest survey looks at opinions concerning the situation of borrowers who have taken out mortgages in Swiss francs. The cost of these mortgages has risen as a result of an increase in value of the franc against the Polish zloty. Respondents were asked who should be responsible for this greater cost.

April 14 is the date for the main celebrations of the 1050th anniversary of the beginning of the Christianisation of Poland, known as the Baptism of Poland. This is considered by Poles to be one of the key pre-1918 events in the history of the country (an opinion held by 70% of those asked). A clear majority of respondents, taking a historical perspective, sees Poland’s acceptance of Christianity as a positive influence on the development of Polish nationhood, religiousness, culture and international standing, with most frequent emphasis on the religious significance of the event.

Most Poles do not expect that the activities of the subcommittee newly convened to investigate the 2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash at Smolensk airport (‘the Smolensk air disaster’) will lead to any meaningful breakthrough in casting light on the causes of this tragedy. The most frequent view (28%) is that the work of the subcommittee will result in additions to the 2011 report of the Committee for Investigation of National Aviation Accidents under Jerzy Miller, but will not in any significant way change the conclusions contained in that report concerning the causes of the crash. Only 23% of those asked think that the subcommittee will find causes of the crash different from those contained in the 2011 report.

Opinions about the circumstances in which having an abortion should be allowed are generally in keeping with the current law on the subject. There is widespread agreement that a woman should be able to terminate her pregnancy if it endangers her life, puts her health at risk, or if the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest (80%, 71% and 73% respectively).

Indicators of social mood used in our research include evaluations of and forecasts for Poland’s economy and politics, respondents’ workplaces and their own household finances. Quarterly findings are presented in the context of the preceding months, so that patterns of change in mood can be discerned with greater clarity.

Most Poles think of Easter as a family festival. For just under a half of those polled, it is primarily a religious experience, while more than two fifths see Easter as a nice tradition. There has been a noticeable increase in significance (7 percentage points) of the family aspect of this holiday since the last poll on the subject, in 2014.

In our last survey we asked respondents about their prefered model of state intervention in the economy. Over half (55%) were of the opinion that the government should take an active part in the economy, while one in three (34%) thought that the less the government intervened, the better.

The conflict regarding the composition of the Constitutional Tribunal, which began last year, has had a negative impact on its image. Although public awareness of this institution has increased, the number of respondents who assess its activity as poor has risen significantly (by 16 percentage points, to 28%). At the same time there are fewer appreciative responses (a fall of 8 points, to 31%). These are the worst results for the Constitutional Tribunal since records began in 2002.

Among some promised and recently implemented legislative solutions, the idea of free pharmaceutical drugs for seniors enjoys highest approval (94%). A large majority of respondents support the minimum hour wage for order contracts (82%), “Family 500 plus” programme (80%), the reduction of retirement age (80%), higher amount of tax-free income (75%). Opinions on bank and trade taxes are divided – implementing the first one has more supporters than opponents (46% to 34%), however, implementing a retail sales tax has the same number of opponents and supporters (42%).

Opinions on legitimacy of initiating monitoring procedures for rule of law in Poland by the European Commission are divided – in fact, as many people claim the decision was justified as think it was unjustified. The motives of the EC’s actions are perceived as ambiguous, however, a belief that the EC’s decision was driven by a dislike towards Law and Justice (PiS) and was a result of a non-sufficient knowledge about the situation in Poland, is more common than a view that it was merely a result of a concern about law-and-order in Poland.

Three fourths of Poles (75%, 5 more percent points than the last year) organised a party for their friends or acquaintances. Much more popular than the last year, and generally speaking the most popular in the history of our research, i.e. since 1987, were family outings to restaurants which is declared by six on ten interviewees (60%, an increase by 7 points in comparison to 2014), and a half (51%) indicate that it happened at least a few times. The proportion of those travelling with their relatives has not changed significantly (42%), however, it’s worth pointing that in 2015 and 2014 it was higher than in years 2006–2013.

In 2016, slightly less adult Poles spent at least two-day on out-of-home holiday than the year before (51%, a decrease by 2 percent points), however, it is still significantly more than in 2012-2013. Last year, as well as in previous years, the Poles most often relaxed within the country (43% of the total), and one fifth chose a holiday abroad.

In the two-month-period, the proportion of citizens declaring that they do not mind if the government is democratic or undemocratic significantly dropped and is at the lowest level since the beginning of our research on democracy. At the same time, the proportion of interviewees who care about the form of the government is the highest since 1992.

Currently, the sense of influence on public affairs is the most common since 1992. Constantly, the sense of citizen subjectivity is more often expressed in regards to local matters (the sense of influence on a situation in their city/town/municipality is declared by over a half of interviewees – 56%) than national matters (the sense of influence on a situation in the country is declared by over two fifths of interviewees – 41%).

According to this year’s declarations, almost two thirds of adult Poles (63%) are not involved in any social organisation, e.g. an association, a union, a local government, a movement, a club or a foundation. About one in six interviewees (16%) admit that in their free time he/she participates in some collective activities in one of such organisations, one in twelve (8%) is involved in two organisations and one in eight (13%) in three or more. In comparison to an earlier measurement (i.e. 2012), the proportion of respondents involved in active citizenship increased by 5 percentage points and at present is the highest since 1998. In the last four years the proportion of interviewees involved in work in one or two organisations has not changed. However the number of those involved in at least three organisations increased (also by 5 percentage points).

Over three fourths of the Poles (75,7%) are in general satisfied with their life, including one fourth who are very satisfied (25,1%). One in five interviewees describe their level of contentment as average (20,3%). Only 3,6% of interviewees declare dissatisfaction with their lives and the vast majority of them describe themselves as rather dissatisfied. Between December 2014 and December 2015 the number of very satisfied interviewees increased by 5 percentage points. It has been the highest proportion since 1994.

To investigate social moods CBOS uses such indicators as: an assessment of the current political and economic situation, forecasts for these aspects as well as opinions on the economic situation of respondents’ workplaces and the quality of living in their households.

In the context of pre-Christmas preparations arises a question: Is there a dish without which the Poles cannot imagine their Christmas Eve supper? We asked about it in an open-ended question. Only one in ten interviewees did not tell us his/ her favourite dish from Christmas Eve supper. Definitely, the most popular at a Christmas Eve table are fish served on that day in various ways (49%), including a carp as a favourite dish of the largest number of interviewees (29%). About one in four Poles cannot imagine his/ her Christmas Eve without red borscht (23%) - especially the one with traditional tortellini (15%) – or dumplings (22%), in particular those filled with sauerkraut and wild mushrooms (10%).

As a part of cooperation between Polish, Slovak, Czech and Hungarian research centres, residents of the Visegrad Group countries were asked about their opinions on consequences of an increase in the number of immigrants. It appeared that an inflow of immigrants causes worries, e.g. over maintaining their own cultural distinctiveness. These worries are most common in the Czech Republic where three fourth of its residents believe that with an increase in immigration the Czechs may lose their culture. In Hungary and Slovakia about two thirds of interviewees share worries regarding threats for their culture (accordingly 65% and 68%). In Poland, the number of those who do not see a danger for cultural identity from immigrants overweighs the number of those who see such a danger (50% to 44%).

Paris is holding the UN conference regarding climate change (COP 21). Its main aim is to reduce greenhouse gases’ emission (mainly CO₂) and slow down global climate changes which require limiting dependence on fossil fuels, mostly coal.

One in ten interviewees (10%) declare willingness to work abroad (3% claim that they are looking for such work at the moment and 7% are going to search for it in the future). The willingness of the majority of them (56%) results from low earnings in Poland. It is not uncommon (15% of interviewees looking for a job abroad or planning to do so in the future) that it is an effect of problems with finding any employment. For some who are ready to look for a job abroad the most important are possibilities of exploring the world (12%) and gaining work experience in foreign companies (9%). Few of emigration-motivated interviewees are planning to join their relatives abroad (4%) or improve their language skills (1%).

50 years have passed since addressing „The Pastoral Letter of Polish Bishops to their German Brothers” which invited them for celebrations of the Millennium of Poland’s Christianisation. The document summarised centuries-old Polish-German relations and appealed for establishing an ongoing dialogue in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, most explicitly expressed in the words: “In this most Christian and at the same time very human spirit we stretch out our hands towards you sitting here on the benches of the ending Council and we grant forgiveness and ask for forgiveness.”

In October, CBOS in cooperation with Newspoint researched attitudes towards refugees. At the same time, a nationwide survey (CBOS) and a research of the Internet entries regarding refugees (Newspoint) were conducted. The comparison of results confirms more critical attitudes expressed on the net than in face-to-face conversations during our interviews. It should be emphasised that a profile of an Internet user differs from a profile of an average citizen. Internet users, and in particular those active on the net, are mostly young people. Moreover, the Internet encourages expressing extreme opinions. Therefore, attitudes of the Internet users should not be projected onto the whole society.

Migration crises and controversies around mandatory quotas of migrants for relocation among EU countries have little effect on the Poles’ attitudes towards our membership in the EU. Although in September a decline in support for Polish membership in the EU was noted, in October it raised again. Being a part of the EU is supported by 86% of interviewees while 10% is against it.

According to the official results announced by the National Electoral Commission (PKW) the election was won by PiS – the Law and Justice (37,58%) ahead of: PO – the Civic Platform (24,09%), the Electoral Committee Kukiz’15 (8,81%), Nowoczesna – the Modern (7,60%), Zjednoczona Lewica (ZL) – the United Left (7,55%), PSL – the Polish People’s Party (5,13%), the Electoral Committee KORWiN (4,76%) and Partia Razem – the Together Party (3,62%).

In Poland except ‘regular employment’ workers are often employed on a basis of the specific work contracts and the mandatory contracts both informally called ‘junk contracts’. Difficult situation of employees working on such contracts and their lack of stable employment is often discussed. However, it appears that the majority of interviewees living off the specific work contracts and the mandatory contracts declare satisfaction with their form of employment (53%) and if they had a choice, as many as 59% would prefer to earn the same and keep the zero hour contract. About one third of those working on ‘junk contracts’ would prefer to change the form of employment even if it meant a decrease in pay.

Among Poles there is a prevailing opinion that most of the newcomers from the Middle East and Africa are not refugees but labour immigrants (39%). About one fourth (27%) have an opposite opinion – they believe that these incomers are mostly refugees looking for shelter in Europe. Almost the same number (25%) assume that among the newcomers the number of refugees is as big as the number of labour immigrants.

To investigate social moods CBOS uses such indicators as: an assessment of the current political and economic situation, forecasts for these aspects as well as opinions on the economic situation of respondents’ workplaces and the quality of living in their households. In order to illustrate the dynamism of changes, quarterly balances are presented against a background of the previous months.

On the 3rd of October Germany celebrates the 25th anniversary of its reunification. Our annual research shows that for more than twenty years attitudes towards our Western neighbours have significantly improved. In one of our latest surveys we asked about the image of a typical German person. According to the Poles, the most distinctive characteristics of German people are their respect for order and discipline (including being: accurate, well-organized, disciplined, punctual, businesslike, respecting regulations and laws – together 27%). Characteristic for German people are also being: hardworking (14%), trustworthy – faithful, reliable, honest, solid (14%) and enterprising (12%). Other features were less often mentioned.

A half of the Poles (50%) use smartphones and a slightly higher proportion (56%) use classic mobile phones. Altogether mobile phones are used by 91% of adult Poles: two fifths (41%) use exclusively classic mobile phones, one third (35%) only smartphones and 15% both types of mobile phones.

Poles’ attitudes towards refugees depend on their origin. Positive attitudes are expressed more commonly towards refugees from neighbouring Ukraine than incomers from outside Europe. A half of Poles (50%) think that we should admit Ukrainian refugees. About one in three (38%) support the idea of admitting refugees who arrived to Southern European countries.

Two weeks before the referendum, support for the introduction of single-member constituencies in the elections for the Lower House of the Parliament (the Sejm) dropped again. At the same time the number of opponents raised. A significant number of interviewees still have no opinion on that matter. However, the majority of those who plan to attend the referendum on the 6^th September support the introduction of single-member constituencies (56% confident of taking part in the referendum and 50% of those declaring they will probably take part in it).

Nine in ten Poles (90%) think that the creation and activity of Solidarity trade unions in the period 1980-81 was an important event in Polish history and two thirds describe it as groundbreaking. Three quarters of interviewees (76%) say that this event was important for average Poles (almost a half – 46% – describe it as groundbreaking). Similar proportion of the Poles (75%) think that it was a significant event in the history of Eastern European countries. Two thirds of respondents (66%) are convinced about the significance of this event for the world.

The majority of internet users (80%) shared some personal information online. Two fifths (40%) shared it online only with selected users e.g. friends or specific companies, institutions. The same proportion (40%) published in the net some information about themselves available for everyone, without limiting access to them. What information about themselves did Polish internet users publish online?

On the 6th August Andrzej Duda was sworn in as the new president of the Republic of Poland. The public is largely convinced that he will be a better president than Bronis³aw Komorowski (almost a half of interviewees – 48% – is convinced of that). Only about one in five interviewees (22%) think that the assumption of the head of the state office by Andrzej Duda means a change for the worse.

The majority of interviewees (72%) think that current political system in Poland requires many changes. Almost one third believe that the system is completely inadequate and requires fundamental changes. Only about one in five interviewees (23%) accept this system as good, however, the majority of them also notice a need for minor improvements.

Seeing the list of national identity potential determinants interviewees were asked which are necessary to deem somebody a Pole. Only 2% of interviewees were not able to point out any determinants. The most often chosen national identity indicator was self-identification i.e. identifying oneself as a Pole. The second most commonly chosen criteria was having Polish citizenship. Catholicism as a necessary determinant of being Polish was the least often chosen from the list of indicators.

Despite a formal pre-referendum campaign, two months before the nationwide referendum, a half of adult Poles do not precisely know what will it refer to. Knowledge in this regard declare mostly those interested in politics and those with clear political views.

To investigate social moods CBOS uses such indicators as: an assessment of the current political and economic situation, forecasts for these aspects as well as opinions on the economic situation of respondents’ workplaces and the quality of living in their households. In order to illustrate the dynamism of changes, quarterly balances are presented against a background of the previous months.

On Thursday (the 25th May) the parliament adopted the in vitro act. The issue of in vitro fertilisation clearly divided Polish Parliament, however, the public opinion on that matter has almost not changed for the last 20 years. Since 1995 about three quarters of adult Poles support the access to IVF for married couples who cannot have children. Only in 2003 and 2008 that support was smaller – accordingly 64% and 60%. Currently 76% of interviewees accept that procedure, which is slightly lower than in 2012 but still higher than five years ago. At present, 17% of interviewees is against the possibility of IVF treatment.

Situation in Ukraine is still very unstable and the Minsk Agreements, which in the West raised hopes for resolving Ukrainian crises, are not implemented fully. Economic sanctions imposed a year ago were about to expire at the end of July, however, on Monday (22^nd June) they were prolonged. It satisfies the Poles among whom the belief that they should be uphold is very common (68%). Opposite opinion is shared by 11% of interviewees and 20% did not take a stand.

The World Refugee Day is celebrated on the 20th June. The vast majority of the Poles (72%) think that Poland should contribute in international help for refugees escaping wars and military conflicts. However, over a half (58%) believe that it should be a temporary aid (until they can safely return to their countries). Every seventh interviewee (14%) accepts granting them a permission to settle down in Poland. One in five (21%) thinks that Poland should not admit refugees affected by military conflicts.

For a long time an issue of raising the tax-free allowance has been appearing in a public debate. This amount hasn’t changed for several years. In February the parliament rejected a bill raising the tax-free allowance and making it dependent on minimum subsistence income. Proposition to raise this amount appeared in the last election campaign both from left-wing and right-wing parties’ candidates. What is an opinion of the Poles in that respect? What are their expectations regarding this value?

Almost two thirds of Poles (73%) is going to celebrate Mother’s Day. Almost a half of them will send best wishes, one third is planning to give flowers and the other third is going to offer a gift to their mothers. The elderly usually claim they will visit their mother’s grave, pray for her and commemorate her.

For many years there has been a persistent feeling that we cannot influence the situation in Poland. Although opinions on the subject have significantly improved, the influence rate still continues to be low. One fourth of interviewees (24%) formulate an opinion about a possibility to influence authorities. The result is relevantly worse (9 percent points) than in a survey conducted shortly before last year’s local elections and, at the same time, close to the one we noted in March 2014.

In the last fifteen years opinion on safety in Poland has changed entirely. In the 1990’s vast majority of Poles was very critical on that matter, however, since 2001 proportion of the unsatisfied has been decreasing significantly and systematically. In 2007 the proportions switched. Currently two thirds of interviewees (66%) say that Poland is the country in which you can live safely while over a quarter (28%) oppose that opinion.

On the 9th May Red Square in Moscow traditionally will hold celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. President Bronis³aw Komorowski was invited to the ceremony, however, because of the annexation of the Crimea and Russia's support for separatists in Ukraine he doesn’t intend to participate in them. His decision is supported by majority of the Poles (65%) but one in five (22%) think that the president should attend the celebrations.

In the second half of April participation in the forthcoming election is declared by 73% of interviewees. However, actual turnout is usually much lower than the one declared in polls. Taking into account those discrepancies and various levels of confidence in voting participation among those declaring it, we estimate that to the polls will go about a half of those entitled to it.

Election Code contains a number of solutions facilitating voting, including alternative voting methods outside the polling station. Unfortunately the Poles know very little about it.

10 April will be the fifth anniversary of the airplane crash in Smolensk in which 96 people died, including president Lech Kaczynski. The issue of building a monument commemorating victims of that catastrophe returned officially in October last year. The idea of building such a statue is currently supported by 61% of the Poles, three in ten (30%) are against this idea.

Although it has already been ten years since John Paul’s II death, vast majority of Poles keep declaring that they know his teaching (70%) and follow it in their life (68%) as well as accepting moral authority of the pope. For almost all adult Poles John Paul II still serves as a role model (95%), with two thirds (65%) stressing that opinion. Despite great sympathy and respect paid to pope Francis, John Paul II is more often accepted as a moral authority than the present pope (11-point-difference).

To investigate social moods the CBOS uses such indicators as: an assessment of current political and economic situation, forecasts for these aspects as well as opinions on economic situation of respondents’ workplaces and quality of living in their households.

Interviewees were asked to describe their attitude towards followers of other religions and non-believers using a scale called a thermometer showing values from +50 to –50 degrees. Value “0” meant ambivalent attitude or lack of opinion.

For most of the Poles Lent is a special time during which they obey religious rules regarding that period. Fasting on Good Friday is kept by almost three fourth of the Poles. Interviewees very rarely admit that they organise parties during Lent. In general parties are avoided for religious reasons by the majority of respondents. Attachment to contemplative character of this period is still very common in Polish society.

Regardless of common belief in God and widespread religious attitude towards Easter - the holiday celebrating the mystery of the Resurrection – only slightly more than one third of the Poles believe that after death, depending on our deeds, we will get to heaven, hell or purgatory. Few interviewees are sure that everyone will go to heaven. Quite frequently people believe that although death is not the end, afterlife is incomprehensible. Such an uncertainty is declared by a third of interviewees. One in fourteen interviewees are unsure if there is any form of existence after death and one in five think that death is the end and there is no afterlife. Other afterlife doctrines have few supporters.

Over two fifths of interviewees (45%) think that using emergency contraceptive is a form of abortion. Slightly less proportion (40%) disagree with such an opinion and 15% have no opinion on that matter. Identification of taking “morning-after” pill with abortion is more common among women, people declaring involvement in religious practices, supporting right-wing ideology, less educated and living in smaller settlements.

Academy Awards ceremony (Oscars) is close. Among the nominees for the awards there are Polish filmmakers and Polish film productions. In our latest survey we asked about the chances for Polish nominees. According to the interviewees, the highest chances for the statuette has an already-award-winning “Ida” directed by P. Pawlikowski. This film is nominated in two categories: for the best foreign language film and cinematography. Over two fifths of the respondents (43%) think that “Ida” will win in at least one of these categories. Much smaller proportion point out to documentary short subjects “Joanna” and “Our Curse” (7%) or Anna Biedrzycka-Sheppard for costume design in „Maleficent” (7%) as possible Oscar winners. Only one in ten interviewees (10%) doubt that Poland has any chances for winning Oscars and two fifths (40%) don’t know what are the Polish chances for the awards.