On February 24th and 25th, Italy will hold a general election which will produce a new Prime Minister. This occurs against the backdrop of a dismal economy where over the last 10 years the GDP did not expand –a net 0% growth rate—and with an unemployment rate in the double digits. Mario Monti, the present Prime Minister who came to power in November 2011 after the fall of Berlusconi’s government, was the consensus choice among all parties to push needed economic and market reforms. In the wake of the Greece default, Italian politicians and policy makers wanted to staunch the credibility bleed by chosing Monti, a technocrat and university professor, as Prime Minister. It was thought that he would be the one to push the necessary but unpopular reforms—those most demanded by investors and other international stakeholders.
Articles Posted in Public Affairs
Healthcare is Top Priority for Canadians
Healthcare has been a top issue among Canadians for decades. While it has been wrestled from its perch at times by sporadic issues of the day, healthcare always returns to be a primary focus for Canadians.
Our February edition of Public Perspectives features detailed findings from a recent poll about healthcare conducted by the Ipsos Health Policy Institute. The report explores issues associated with access to healthcare and Canadians’ experiences with the healthcare system.
Just more about Jobs, Jobs, Jobs or Setting the stage for Long-Term Economic Competitiveness
Obama’s 2013 State of the Union AddressToday, February 12th 2013, President Obama will give the 227th State of the Union address and the 5th of his presidency. This specific speech will have special significance because it is the first of his second term as president. It is his opening volley and will help set the policy tone for the next four years. It, in other worlds, is an important speech.
But what should, and ultimately what will, Obama say?
My Funny Valentine? Men and Women on the Subject of Valentine’s Day
Well, sometimes you have to look at the data… and just believe it… as crazy as it may seem.
At first glance, our editorial team chuckled when we saw the results from our most recent eNation survey examining how consumers were going to spend Valentine’s Day.
Yikes, are men this out of touch with the needs and desires of the women in their lives? Are women this passionate about the celebration of Valentine’s Day with their significant other, and spending time with others?
What are the top issues concerning Canadians?
With a new year ahead, our January edition of Public Perspectives focuses solely on the issue priorities of Canadians. The report provides an in-depth look into the most important issues of Canadians by gender, age, income and region. Below is a quick snapshot of the findings:
Comparing the issue priorities of Canadians and U.S., the report reveals we share the same top three issue concerns – healthcare, unemployment and jobs, and taxes. For Canadians, healthcare (43%) holds top spot, followed closely by unemployment and jobs (41%), while taxes (31%) trail behind.
Optimism Abound for 2013
Optimism for 2013 is high among participants in a new 23-country poll by Ipsos for Reuters News
Optimism is high among participants in a new 23-country poll by global research company Ipsos for Reuters news.
Eight in ten agree (80%, up 8 points since 2011) they are optimistic that 2013 will be a better year than 2012. This optimism is mirrored by a similar spike in those optimistic that the global economy will be stronger in 2013. Even though only half (49%) agree, the measure represents an eight-point improvement since last year.
Free Research Isn’t Free
In the fourth video of the “You Have a Right to Know” series, Darrell Bricker, Global CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, explains the rationale behind ‘free’ polls, including what questions journalists should ask before covering the results, and how to spot a rogue poll.
Understanding Society: Economic Crises, Election Victories, New Challenges
I am pleased to share the Ipsos Social Research Institute’s latest report – Understanding Society: Economic crises, election victories, new challenges.
This report brings together experts from across the Ipsos Social Research Institute to consider the period of extraordinary change many nations have witnessed over the last few years, since the 2007/8 global economic crisis. Understanding Society covers a range of key political, social and economic issues facing the world.
Chávez, Variable Polls, and Misiones: Reflections on the Venezuelan Presidential Election
On 7 October 2012, Venezuelans showed up to cast their vote for president on Election Day with an unprecedented sign of voter enthusiasm pushing final turnout up over 80%. This race pitted Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías, the incumbent and long-sitting president, against the 40-year-old opposition candidate, Henrique Capriles Radonski. Just this on its own would provide sufficient suspense for most. This electoral campaign, however, was one of particular drama and uncertainty
Global Public Opinion of International Relations – Halifax International Security Forum
In this video, Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, discusses the findings of Ipsos’ recent polling on international relations for the Halifax International Security Forum, including the link between citizen national economic assessment and potential support for international engagement and which countries and organizations have the potential to have the most positive impact on world affairs in the next decade.
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