Perceptions of Municipal Restaurants Survey

About the study

A study of public attitudes towards municipal restaurants, which became a political topic following the local elections, including views on their effect on election results and criticism that they competed with local businesses. The findings show very strong support for municipal restaurants across political views.

Key findings

• 79.6% viewed municipal restaurants positively and 6.8% negatively. Eight in ten wanted a municipality with a strong social-welfare role. 81.1% welcomed the development, and 86.2% thought the project should expand nationwide.
• Nine in ten said they would visit a municipal restaurant if one existed in their city: 91.2% of women and 88.1% of men. 34.5% said they would go several times a month and 29.2% several times a week.
• 70.4% considered criticism that municipal restaurants were putting local businesses out of business unfair. The initiative was thought to have played a role in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality election.
• 85.2% said municipal restaurants should continue even after the economic crisis ended; 14.8% disagreed.

Methodology

Conducted online through the Eşzamanlı Mobile Panel in May 2024 with 1,067 participants reflecting Türkiye’s population. The reported confidence level was 95%, with a 3% margin of error.

Ertan Aksoy’s assessment (summary)

Ertan Aksoy notes that Türkiye has experienced an economic crisis approximately every seven years and usually recovered within 1.5 years, whereas the latest crisis had lasted more than five years and impoverished all socioeconomic groups. He says awareness of and support for municipal restaurants exceeded expectations, with the initiative finding support beyond party politics.