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Bulgarians are afraid of the war in Ukraine and in the Middle East

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War, death and crisis - these are the top three biggest fears of Bulgarians. 28.3 % of Bulgarians fear war, 23 % fear death and almost 25 % fear an economic or financial crisis. The data is from a representative survey by the National Center for Parliamentary Research from the end of 2023.

People over the age of 59 are mostly worried about the end of their lives, most of them have low education and live in small settlements. The crisis worries the youngest and the oldest Bulgarians, mainly those of Roma and Turkish ethnicity. 

But worry about war is evenly distributed among people of different social and demographic groups. According to 69% of respondents, the war in Ukraine is a threat to Bulgaria's security. For 54%, the war in the Middle East is also a threat.

"Among 52% of people, the concern that the country could be attacked by a foreign country dominates. 73 percent fear that they will suffer from waves of refugees and terrorism in the region. Their worries increase due to the opinion that Bulgaria is not able to oppose external aggression", the analysis of the survey reads. 15% of Bulgarians believe that NATO cannot protect the country's territorial integrity, and 18% doubt the EU's ability to do so. 

The uncertainty of the Bulgarians about the problems in the country is also growing. 79% indicate that domestic crime is increasing, and 78% speak of an increase in organized crime. 

Corruption is the main cause of insecurity. 42% of respondents blame it for the increase in crime, followed by impoverishment for 40%, the inefficiency of the prosecution and justice system for 32% and the bribery of police and magistrates for 29%.



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