East European Discontent

Rise of populist and right-wing tendencies in Eastern Europe has been linked to people’s increasing dissatisfaction with the economy and growing inequality. Using Life in Transition Survey, we examine East Europeans’ attitudes on these economic issues. In contrast to views that the 2008 economic crisis prompted dissatisfaction, we find that even before the crisis, East Europeans were not convinced that their economic situation was better at that point than in 1989. Our findings suggest that economic discontent in Eastern Europe has been increasing over decades, and is especially pronounced among the poor and minorities, indicating their increasing social exclusion.