42 per cent of the Bulgarians thought 2008 would be a better year, while one third expected a worse year, Dnevnik daily quoted Vladimir Shopov of Alpha Research as sayig.

Public appraisals of the post-1989 years form 2 social coalitions – one of optimism and another of pessimism. These coalitions seem stable and this is what makes social energies, which to a great extent form the expectations for 2008, relatively predictable.

One fifth of the Bulgarians saw progress in the past 18 years. These were mainly people living in Sofia, more active people (aged up to 40 years), the more educated (mainly those with university degrees) as well as groups who had more opportunities to take advantage of the change of environment (people with liberal professions, students, employees and private proprietors). The biggest percentage of people – 45 per cent, considered this past period a regress. Among this group were the residents of small towns and villages, more elderly people, those with poorer education as well as those who did not take part in the labour market or those who faced serious difficulties on it, like the unemployed, the pensioners and people occupied in manual labour. About one third of Bulgarians thought there has been no change whatsoever – neither towards better, nor towards worse.  

The two groups could be clearly distinguished according to their attitude towards Bulgaria's current economic situation as well. Almost every second Bulgarian thought the economy has worsened, while 38 per cent do not see a change. A mere 12 per cent saw improvement – mainly Sofia residents, younger people, those with better education and the more active. 

Pre-term parliamentary elections were not necessary according to 55 per cent of the people. 42 per cent would like to see such elections. However, they differed in their views on when this was to happen.

Expectations were that civil protests and strikes would continue to increase. Every second Bulgarian expected this would happen, while 21 per cent expected civil protests and strikes to remain at their current level. Every fourth Bulgarian had no opinion, while a mere 4 per cent thought demonstrations would subside.