According to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, an overwhelming majority of Greeks believe that the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games will be a success, but many have fears that unemployment and recession will follow the Games.
The nationwide poll conducted by MRB among 2,000 people from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8, found that 39.4 per cent believe that Greece will definitely organize a successful Olympic Games, with another 44.9 per cent saying the Games will probably succeed. Only 3.5 per cent are sure the Games will fail while another 9.6 per cent of respondents believe they will probably not be a success.
According to the poll Greeks now feel more secure about hosting a successful Games. In June 2000 69.5 per cent expected a successful Games compared with 22 per cent calling the Games a failure. Last June the difference was 80.6 per cent to 14.3 per cent.
Meanwhile 59.8 per cent said a change in government (elections are due by early May) will not affect the Olympic preparations either way.
And how do they feel about Greece when the Games are over? Kathimerini reports that 37.7 per cent of respondents were concerned about unemployment and 24.9 per cent were worried about economic recession.
