MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentines most optimistic global citizens on 2009

Following a year full of political events and tension, basically the several month-long conflict between the Argentine government and farmers, Argentines are among the most optimistic about 2009 according to a world public opinion poll from TNS Gallup.

The poll which interviewed 45.000 people in 46 different countries at the beginning of December is supposed to reflect the prevailing opinion of 1.190 billion global citizens. According to reports in the Buenos Aires press, 62% of Argentines believe 2009 will be similar or better than the ailing 2008, while at world level this percentage is 58. The analysts who have been collecting information for the world poll since 1982 say that the global financial crisis had the largest impact on this year's results world-wide. "In a context of crisis and economic uncertainty at world level, the opinions of global citizens are divided as to what to expect in 2009: 35% believe it will be a worse year; 31% don't expect changes and 27% say it will be a better year, according to the TNS Gallup conclusions. However in Argentina the positive vision prevails with 30% saying 2009 is going to be a better year and 32% that is will be as good or as bad as 2008. As to personal prospects for next year, only 33% were pessimistic, which is two percentage points less than at world level. The same public opinion poll a year ago, half of the Argentines (49%) said that 2008 would be a better year and 34% similar. Only 9% believed it would be worse. The most optimistic country according to the TNS Gallup poll was Kosovo with 60% expecting a better 2009 followed by China, 53%; Australia, 49% followed by Lebanon and Colombia each with 48%.