Public Opinion in Romania

May 7 – June 2, 2018

 Detailed Methodology
• This survey was conducted on behalf of the Center for Insights in Survey Research by
OpinionWay.
• Data was collected between May 7 and June 2, 2018 through face-to-face interviews.
• Sample size: n=1,203 Romanian residents, aged 18 years old and older.
• Margin of error: Between 1.2 and 2.8 percent plus or minus with 95 percent confidence level
for the full sample.
• The sample is nationally representative. All regions are included in the sample (Bucharest-
Ilfov, Northern Moldavia, Dobrogea and South-Moldavia, South East Muntenia, Oltenia, Banat,
North West Transylvania, South East Transylvania). The sample includes both urban and rural
inhabitants.
• The sample design was a three stage random sample.
• Stage One: Primary sampling unit selected with probability proportional to population
size and to population density. Data used to draw sampling points came from INSSE,
National Romanian Institute of Statistics.
• Stage Two: Secondary sampling unit (addresses) selected to begin random routes.
• Stage Three: Tertiary sampling unit (respondent) selected within households using the
next birthday method.
• The final sample has been weighted by gender, age and region, based on census data provided
by INSSE.
• Figures in charts and tables may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding error and/or
multiple choice answers.

2
 Glossary of Romanian Political Parties

• PSD: Social Democratic Party

• PNL: National Liberal Party
• USR: Save Romania Union
• ALDE: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats
• UDMR: Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania
• PMP: People's Movement Party
• PNTCD: Christian Democratic National Peasants' Party
• Platforma Romania 100: Dacian Ciolos’s Party

3
General Perceptions of the State
of the Country
Overall, would you say that Romania is headed
in the right or wrong direction?

19%
Right direction
4%
Wrong direction
77%
Don't know/Refused
to answer

5
 Overall, would you say that Romania is headed in the right
or wrong direction?
(Disaggregated by political viewpoint)

Conservative 16% 79% 5%

Christian-Democrat 16% 81% 3%

Liberal 12% 86% 2%

Social-Democrat 28% 68% 4%

Socialist 43% 50% 7%

All 19% 77% 4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Right direction Wrong direction Don't know/Refused to answer
6
 What is the most urgent problem facing Romania today?
(Open-ended; two responses accepted)

Pensions/Living standards/Poverty/Unemployment 27% 42%

Corruption 21% 31%
Healthcare system 7% 20%
Weakness and incompetence of politicians 9% 15%
Lack of jobs/Jobs poorly paid 8% 15%
Education 4% 10%
Road infrastructure 3% 9%
Economic development is still too weak 5% 7%
Lack of concern for Romanians 2% 7%
The judiciary is not completely independent/Weak laws 3% 6%
Tax evasion 3% 6%
High taxes 1% 4%
Lack of leadership 1% 3%
Emigration 1% 3%
Lack of investors 1%
Other 5% 12%

First Choice Total

7
To what extent is democracy functioning in Romania?

Well Not well

35% 62%

35%
31%
27%

4% 3%

Very well Somewhat well Not very well Not well at all Don't
know/Refused to
answer

8
 To what extent is democracy functioning in Romania?
(Disaggregated by age)

65+ 7% 20% 34% 38% 1%

55-64 4% 30% 37% 27% 2%

45-54 2% 37% 38% 21% 2%

35-44 3% 35% 33% 25% 4%

25-34 2% 27% 37% 26% 8%

18-24 4% 45% 32% 17% 2%

All 4% 31% 35% 27% 3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very well Somewhat well Not very well Not well at all Don't know/Refused to answer
9
General Views of Democracy
 What is the most important reason democracy is
functioning well in Romania?
(Respondents who said that democracy is functioning well in Romania:
n=414; open-ended)

Freedom/Freedom of expression 45%

External pressure 12%

Laws are respected/Justice is doing its job 10%

People can make free choices 7%

People have rights 6%

Laura Codruta Kovesi/the National Anticorruption
5%
Department

More parties 3%

Those who steal are in jail/Thieves can not steal freely 2%

Government 2%

Private sector 1%

The President 1%

Other 6%

11
What is the most important reason democracy is not functioning well in
Romania?
(Respondents who said that democracy is not functioning well in
Romania: n=747; open-ended)

Corruption 32%

Politicians' incompetence/Pursuing personal interests 20%

The government/Leadership of the country 11%

Dishonesty and lies of leaders 11%

Lack of patriotism and unity in the country 9%

Failure to comply with laws 8%

Poverty 4%

Bureaucracy 2%

Education and health system 1%

High taxes 1%

Interests outside the country 1%

12
 In general, would you say that Romania is functioning more or less
democratically than each of the following countries?

Russia 31% 32% 19% 13% 5%

China 32% 28% 16% 17% 7%

Serbia 13% 32% 28% 13% 14%

Poland 9% 27% 39% 14% 11%

France 11% 12% 36% 37% 4%

USA 14% 8% 29% 45% 4%

Germany 11% 11% 35% 39% 4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Significantly more democratically Somewhat more democratically
Somewhat less democratically Significantly less democratically
Don't know/Refused to answer 13
 How important are these elements in making any country a democracy?

Citizens feel protected against crime and

74% 20% 4% 2%<1%
terrorism
Citizens are free to demonstrate, contest, 1%
74% 20% 5% <1%
or petition the government
Free and fair elections, offering real
74% 19% 5% 2%<1%
choices to voters
1%
The privacy of citizens is not violated 73% 20% 6% <1%

Citizens are protected against poverty 72% 21% 5% 2%<1%

The national interest takes priority over

individual interests
68% 22% 8% 2%<1%

The government addresses the issue of

66% 24% [CELLRANGE]
7% 2%
social inequality

Media freedom is respected 66% 23% 8% 2% 1%

The talent and merit of citizens are <[CELLRANGE]

63% 24% 9% 4%
rewarded

Minorities are respected 59% 24% 11% 5% 1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Very important Somewhat important Not so important Not important at all Don't know/Refused to answer
14
 The rule of law in a democracy can be understood as “a state in which all
people and institutions are accountable to the law and the Constitution, and
the Constitution and the law are equally applied to all.”
How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “The
rule of law exists in Romania”?

Agree Disagree

60% 39%

37%

23% 23%

16%

1%

Completely Somewhat Somewhat Completely Don’t

agree agree disagree disagree know/Refused
to answer

15
Which of the following would you say are the two most important factors
for Romania to maintain and/or strengthen the rule of law?
(Two responses accepted)

Responsible, incorruptible politicians 35% 58%

Independent judiciary 21% 41%

Transparency and accountability of institutions and

15% 35%
officials

Freedom of opinion and expression 15% 32%

Equal treatment and absence of discrimination 12% 28%

Don't know/Refused to answer 2%

First Choice Total

16
Do you believe that the use of referenda by a government makes a
country more or less democratic?

6% 3%

It makes a country more democratic

It doesn't change anything

46%
It makes a country less democratic
45%
Don't know/Refused to answer

17
Do you believe that democracy is the best possible form of
government for Romania ?

3% Yes, it is the best possible

14% form of government for
Romania
No, there are other forms of
government that could be
equally positive for Romania
23% 60% No, there are other forms of
government that are better
than democracy for Romania
Don't know/Refused to answer

18
Some people say that Romania needs a strong man who doesn’t need the
approval of parliament or the courts to get things done in this country. Do
you agree or disagree with this view?

Agree Disagree

52% 47%

28%
24% 25%
22%

1%

Completely Somewhat Somewhat Completely Don't

agree agree disagree disagree know/Refused
to answer

19
 Some people say that non-governmental organizations have too
much power in today’s societies and need to be made to respect the
sovereignty of the nation.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with such a statement?

Agree Disagree

47% 45%

32%
30%

15% 15%

8%

Completely Somewhat Somewhat Completely Don't

agree agree disagree disagree know/Refused
to answer

20
General Perceptions of Institutions
 To what degree do each of these institutions, through their work and
activities, contribute to solving problems in Romania?

The media 11% 41% 33% 14%

[CELLRANGE]

The courts 14% 30% 40% 15%

[CELLRANGE]

Intellectuals 11% 33% 38% 17%[CELLRANGE]

The President 11% 32% 39% 18% <1%

Business leaders 10% 28% 39% 21% [CELLRANGE]

The church 10% 28% 32% 29% [CELLRANGE]

NGOs/Civil society 7% 28% 40% 21% [CELLRANGE]

Trade unions 8% 26% 44% 20% [CELLRANGE]

The government 13% 17% 41% 29% <1%

Parliament 11% 17% 44% 28% <1%

The Prime Minister 11% 16% 41% 32% <1%

Political parties 10% 9% 44% 37% <1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

They contribute completely They contribute They do not contribute enough

They do not contribute at all Don't know/Refused to answer
22
 To what degree do political parties, through their work and
activities, contribute to solving problems in Romania?
(Disaggregated by gender)

Female 12% 10% 44% 34% <1%

Male 7% 8% 43% 41% 1%

All 10% 9% 44% 37% <1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
They contribute completely They contribute They do not contribute enough
They do not contribute at all Don't know/Refused to answer

23
On a scale of 1-4, with 1 meaning you fully trust them and 4 meaning you
do not trust them at all, how much do you trust the following institutions
to uphold democratic standards in your country?
The army 29% 49% 12% 10% <1%

The church 15% 41% 26% 18% <1%

The police 10% 43% 31% 16% <1%

TV stations 7% 45% 32% 16% <1%

The President 9% 41% 28% 21% [CELLRANGE]

Radio stations 6% 43% 32% 18%

[CELLRANGE]

NGOs/Civil society 6% 38% 30% 23% [CELLRANGE]

Newspapers 5% 35% 39% 20%[CELLRANGE]

The civil service/Public servants 6% 30% 44% 19%[CELLRANGE]

The government 7% 22% 37% 34% <1%

The Prime Minister 7% 21% 34% 38% <1%

Parliament 5% 22% 40% 32% [CELLRANGE]

Political parties 3% 13% 41% 42% [CELLRANGE]

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

I fully trust them I trust them I do not trust them I do not trust them at all Don't know/Refused to answer
24
On a scale of 1-4, with 1 meaning you fully trust them and 4 meaning you do not
trust them at all, how much do you trust political parties to uphold democratic
standards in your country?
(Disaggregated by age)

65+ 3% 14% 34% 48% 1%

55-64 5% 20% 36% 38% 1%

45-54 3% 15% 44% 38%

35-44 3% 12% 45% 39% 1%

25-34 2% 10% 41% 46% 1%

18-24 2% 8% 47% 42% 1%

All 3% 13% 41% 42% 1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
I fully trust them I trust them I do not trust them I do not trust them at all Don't know/Refused to answer
25
Political Views and Values
How would you define your political views?

Liberal 30%

Social Democrat 24%

Christian Democrat 10%

Conservative 7%

Socialist 6%

Other 4%

Don't know/Refused to answer 19%

27
 How would you define your political views?
(Disaggregated by age)
50%

45% 44%
41%
40%
40%
35%
35%
32%
31% 31%
30%

25% 23%
21%
20% 19%
16%
15% 15% 15%
15% 14%14% 14%
12% 12% 12%
11%11% 11%
10%
10% 9% 9%
8% 8% 8%
7% 7%
6% 6%
5%
5% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4%
3% 3%
2%

0%
Liberal Social Democrat Christian Conservative Socialist Other Don't
Democrat Know/Refused
to answer
18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
28
 How would you define your political views?
(Disaggregated by highest level of education completed)
50%

45% 43%

40% 38%

35%

30% 28%

25% 23% 23%

20% 18%
17%
15% 15%
15% 13%
12%
10%
10% 8% 7%
7% 6%
5% 4% 4%

0%
Liberal Social Democrat Christian Conservative Socialist Don't
Democrat Know/Refused to
answer
Elementary Secondary Higher/University
29
Would you say that Romanian politics today are moving toward:

9%
More polarization
26%

More consensus

No change

47%
Don't know/Refused to
18%
answer

30
 Would you say that Romanian politics today are moving
toward:
(Disaggregated by gender)

Female 22% 19% 48% 11%

Male 31% 18% 45% 6%

All 26% 18% 47% 9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
More polarization More consensus No change Don't know/Refused to answer
31
Do you think the current polarization in Romanian society is:
(Respondents who said that Romania is moving toward more
polarization or no change: n=874)

15%
22%
A good thing

A bad thing

Neither good nor bad

28%

Don't know/Refused to
35%
answer

32
 If asked to make concessions on issues in order to make Romanian politics
more functional, on which issues should political leaders make these
concessions, and on which issues should they not compromise?
(Respondents who said that polarization is a bad thing; n=310)

Family issues 46% 47% 7%

Economic issues (redistribution, taxes,

42% 53% 5%
etc.)

National identity issues (immigration, EU-

34% 60% 6%
Romania issues, etc.)

The roles, procedures, and powers of

28% 66% 6%
state institutions

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Make concessions Do not compromise Don't know/Refused to answer
33
Media Consumption Habits
 What is your main source of information regarding national
political life?
Antena 3 9%
Pro TV 9%
Realitatea TV 7%
Television 48% Romania TV 6%
Antena 1 4%
Internet/Web-based media outlets 22% B1 TV 4%
TVR 1 4%
DIGI 24 3%
Family and friends 14%
Kanal D 1%
All stations 1%
Radio 5%

Print media 4%

Social media 3%

Political parties 1%

Don't know/Refused to answer 2%

35
 What is your main source of information regarding national
political life?
(Disaggregated by gender)
60%
52%
50% 48%
45%

40%

30%
23%
21% 22%
20% 18%
14%
10%
10%
4% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4%
2% 3% 1% 1% 1% 1%
3% 2%
0%

Male Female All

36
 What is your main source of information regarding national
political life?
(Disaggregated by age)
80%

70% 68%
66%

60%
50%
50% 46%
42%
40% 36%
33% 33%
30%
19% 19%
20% 15% 16%
14% 14%15%
9% 8%
10% 7% 7% 7% 6% 6% 5% 6%
5% 5%
2% 3% 3% 3% 4% 3%4%2%2% 3%3% 2%
1% 1% 1%1%2%1%1%1% 1% 1%
0%

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

37
To what extent would you agree or disagree that the media in
Romania are free and independent?

The majority of media are The majority of media are

free and independent not free and not independent

56% 42%

40%

32%

16%
10%

2%

The media are free Most of the media Some of the media No media in Don’t
and independent are free and are free and Romania are free know/Refused to
independent, but independent, but and independent answer
some are not most are not

38
 To what extent would you agree or disagree that the media
in Romania are free and independent?
(Disaggregated by gender)

Female 13% 40% 34% 10% 3%

Male 19% 40% 30% 10% 1%

All 16% 40% 32% 10% 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
The media are free and independent
Most of the media are free and independent, but some are not
Some of the media are free and independent, but most are not
No media in Romania are free and independent
Don't know/Refused to answer
39
 To what extent would you agree or disagree that the media
in Romania are free and independent?
(Disaggregated by educational level)

Higher/University 12% 39% 35% 13% 1%

Secondary 17% 40% 32% 9% 2%

Elementary 19% 41% 28% 8% 4%

All 16% 40% 32% 10% 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
The media are free and independent
Most of the media are free and independent, but some are not
Some of the media are free and independent, but most are not
No media in Romania are free and independent
Don't know/Refused to answer
40
Views of Corruption
To what extent is corruption widespread or rare in Romania?

Widespread Rare

93% 7%

58%

35%

6%
1% <1%
Very widespread Somewhat Somewhat rare Very rare Don’t know/Refused to
widespread
answer

42
 To what extent is corruption widespread or rare in Romania?
(Disaggregated by age)

65+ 63% 27% 7% 2% 1%

55-64 61% 31% 5% 2% 1%

45-54 56% 33% 8% 2% 1%

35-44 58% 39% 3%

25-34 60% 33% 7%

18-24 46% 48% 5% 1%

1%
All 58% 35% 6%
<1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very widespread Somewhat widespread Somewhat rare Very rare Don't know/Refused to answer
43
In the past 12 months have you or an acquaintance had to do a
favor, give a gift or pay a bribe to a governmental official or
governmental service provider?

21%

Yes

6%
No
73%
Don't know/Refused
to answer

44
Is the government doing enough to tackle corruption?

5%
9%

Yes

No

86% Don't know/Refused

to answer

45
 Is the government doing enough to tackle corruption?
(Disaggregated by age)

65+ 14% 76% 10%

55-64 15% 80% 5%

45-54 13% 82% 5%

35-44 5% 92% 3%

25-34 4% 94% 2%

18-24 5% 94% 1%

All 9% 86% 5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Yes No Don't know/Refused to answer
46
 To what extent is corruption widespread or rare in each of these
institutions?

<1%
National parliament 46% 38% 11% 4%
1%

[CELLRANGE]
National government 44% 39% 12% 3%
[C…

[CELLRANGE]
Social services (hospitals, schools, etc.) 35% 43% 18% 3%
<1%

<1%
Local government 37% 40% 19% 3%
[CELLRANGE]

<1%
Police 27% 42% 26% 4%
[CELLRANGE]

[CELLRANGE]
Courts 26% 38% 27% 7%
[CELLRANGE]

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Very widespread Somewhat widespread Somewhat rare Very rare No corruption at all Don't know/Refused to answer

47
 To what extent is corruption widespread or rare in the
national government?
(Disaggregated by age)
1%
65+ 38% 36% 17% 7%
1%

1%
55-64 43% 36% 12% 6% 2%

<1%
45-54 42% 39% 15% 3%
1%

35-44 43% 48% 8% <1%

1%

<1%
25-34 53% 38% 7% 1% 1%

18-24 53% 38% 9%

All 33% 44% 15% 4% 1% 3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Very widespread Somewhat widespread Somewhat rare Very rare No corruption at all Don't know/Refused to answer

48
At which level of government is corruption most prevalent?

National authorities 58%

Regional authorities 19%

Local authorities 19%

Don't know/Refused to answer 4%

49
 How effective are the following institutions in addressing
corruption?

Local authorities 7% 21% 35% 35% 2%

Regional authorities 4% 19% 38% 37% 2%

National authorities 5% 17% 38% 38% 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Very effective Somewhat effective Somewhat ineffective Very ineffective Don't know/Refused to answer
50
Over the past 12 months, has corruption among the following
institutions increased, decreased, or stayed the same?

National authorities 34% 53% 9% 4%

Regional authorities 25% 62% 9% 4%

Local authorities 25% 58% 13% 4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Increased Stayed the same Decreased Don't know/Refused to answer

51
To what extent has corruption had a negative impact on your life?

74% 40%

34%
31%

23%

9%
3%

It has not had any It has had little It has had some It has had a lot Don't
negative impact negative impact negative impact of negative impact know/Refused
to answer

52
Which among the following parties are the most important to
effectively address corruption in our country?
(Multiple responses accepted)

Political leadership 50% 77%

Citizens 15% 62%

Public sector employees 13% 53%

Media 8% 46%

Private sector 7% 24%

International NGOs/CSOs 3% 16%

Domestic NGO/CSOs 2% 13%

Other 2%

Don't know/Refused to answer 1%

First choice Total

53
To what degree is it the responsibility of citizens to address
corruption?

Large degree Small degree

85% 15%

46%
39%

11%
4%
<1%
To a very large To a somewhat To a somewhat To a very small Don’t know/Refused
degree large degree small degree degree to answer

54
Elections and Popularity
of the President
If parliamentary elections were held next Sunday, would you vote?

Yes No

78% 20%

52%

26%

12%
8%
2%

Yes, certainly Yes, probably No, probably No, certainly not Don't
not know/Refused
to answer

56
 If parliamentary elections were held next Sunday, would you
vote?
(Disaggregated by educational level)

Higher/University 61% 24% 7% 6% 2%

Secondary 49% 28% 12% 9% 2%

Elementary 44% 22% 23% 10% 1%

All 52% 26% 12% 8% 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Yes, certainly Yes, probably No, probably not No, certainly not Don't know/Refused to answer

57
 For which political party would you vote if parliamentary elections were held
next Sunday?*

All respondents Respondents who are certain to vote

(n=621)

PSD 26% PSD 32%

PNL 24% PNL 29%

Platforma Romania 100 7% Platforma Romania 100 7%

ALDE 6% ALDE 4%

USR 5% USR 4%

PMP 3% PMP 4%

PNTCD 3% PNTCD 2%

UDMR 1% UDMR <1%

Other 3% Other 2%

Don't know/Refused to answer 22% Don't know/Refused to answer 16%

*Results presented have been calculated from the sum of three questions:
Q34. In some EU countries, voting is mandatory by law. If voting was mandatory in Romania and general elections were held next
Sunday, for which political parties would you vote?
Q35. For which political party would you vote if parliamentary elections were held next Sunday?
Q36. Even if you are currently undecided, which political party would you lean toward if elections were held next Sunday?
58
 For which political party would you vote if parliamentary
elections were held next Sunday?
(Disaggregated by age)
50%
47%

45%

40%
37%
35%
35% 33%
31% 31%
30%
27%
25%
25% 23%
22% 22%
20%
20% 19%

15%
15% 13% 13%
12%
11%
10% 9%9% 9%
8% 8%
7% 7%
6% 6% 6%
5% 5% 5% 5%
5% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4%
3% 3% 3% 3%
2% 2%2% 2%2% 2%
1%1% 1% 1%
0%
PSD PNL Platforma ALDE USR PMP PNTCD UDMR Don't
Romania 100 know/Refused
18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ to answer
59
Are you satisfied with the way President Iohannis has handled his
job as President of Romania?

Satisfied Not satisfied

39% 60%

38%
33%

22%

6%
1%

Very satisfied Quite satisfied Not very Not satisfied at Don't

satisfied all know/Refused
to answer

60
 Are you satisfied with the way President Iohannis has
handled his job as President of Romania?
(Disaggregated by age)

65+ 6% 18% 37% 39%

55-64 8% 22% 35% 34% 1%

45-54 5% 38% 37% 19% 1%

35-44 6% 36% 43% 14% 1%

25-34 8% 50% 29% 11% 2%

18-24 5% 39% 49% 7%

All 6% 33% 38% 22% 1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very satisfied Quite satisfied Not very satisfied Not satisfied at all Don't know/Refused to answer

61
When assessing the way President Iohannis fulfilled his mandate,
which of these considerations comes closest to what you had in
mind?

2% Mostly his handling of Romania's

foreign affairs and the way he
18% represents our country.

Mostly his involvement in

29% Romanian domestic
politics/internal affairs.

Both his handling of Romania's

18% foreign affairs and his
involvement in Romanian
domestic politics.
I did not have any specifics in
mind.

33%
Don't know/Refused to answer

62
In your opinion, which of the following issues are the priorities of
President Iohannis?

The fight against corruption 48%

The consolidation of the rule of law 44%

Transparency and good governance 34%

A growing economy 29%

The improvement of the health system 29%

The improvement of the Romanian education system 25%

A good business environment 24%

A balanced wage law 23%

A fair pension system 23%

More jobs 21%

Romanians from the diaspora returning home 19%

Sound public budgets 12%

Don't know/Refused to answer 10%

63
Romanian Identity and
the Communist Past
To what extent do you think investigating the communist past is
still relevant to Romanian politics today?

Relevant Not relevant

53% 43%

33%

22% 21%
20%

4%

Very relevant Somewhat Not that Not relevant at Don’t

relevant relevant all know/Refused
to answer

65
In your opinion, what is the most important attribute that makes
someone Romanian?

Being born in Romania 38%

Residing in Romania and paying taxes in the country 34%

Being of Romanian descent 16%

Speaking fluent Romanian 7%

Other 3%

Don't know/Refused to answer 2%

66
To what extent would you agree or disagree that Romanian
identity is under threat today?

Agree Disagree

36% 59%

31%
28%
25%

11%

5%

Strongly agree Somewhat Somewhat Strongly disagree Don’t

agree disagree know/Refused
to answer

67
 Who or what is the main threat, in your opinion?
(Respondents who said that Romanian identity is under threat:
n=432; open-ended)

Loss of values, culture, traditions 10%

Interests outside the country 9%

Decrease of the population/Emigration/Aging population 9%

Incompetence of the political class/Political games/Political instability 8%

Minorities with too many rights 7%

Russia 7%

Migrants 6%

Terrorism 6%

Hungary 6%

Illegal trade 6%

Globalization 4%

Corruption 4%

Poverty 3%

Crime 1%

Moldova to unite with Romania 1%

Decreasing birth rates 1%

Don't know/Refused to answer 14%

68
 Which of the following opinions about the future of the Republic
of Moldova comes closest to your view?

The Republic of Moldova should reunite with Romania as soon as

28%
possible

The Republic of Moldova should first join the EU and then reunite with
25%
Romania

The Republic of Moldova should join the EU but remain independent 26%

The Republic of Moldova should remain independent outside of the EU 9%

The Republic of Moldova should join the Commonwealth of

3%
Independent States (CIS) led by Russia

Other 3%

Don't know/Refused to answer 6%

69
 Which of the following opinions about the future of the
Republic of Moldova comes closest to your view?
(Disaggregated by gender)

Female 25% 25% 25% 10% 2% 4% 9%

Male 32% 25% 27% 8% 3% 2% 3%

All 28% 25% 26% 9% 3% 3% 6%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
The Republic of Moldova should reunite with Romania as soon as possible
The Republic of Moldova should first join the EU and then reunite with Romania
The Republic of Moldova should join the EU but remain independent
The Republic of Moldova should remain independent outside of the EU
The Republic of Moldova should join the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) led by Russia
Other
Don't know/Refused to answer

70
 Which of the following opinions about the future of the
Republic of Moldova comes closest to your view?
(Disaggregated by age)

65+ 42% 19% 26% 8% 2% 2% 1%

1%
55-64 32% 29% 23% 13% 1%
1%
45-54 28% 27% 23% 7% 3% 8% 4%

35-44 25% 27% 26% 10% 5% 5% 12%

25-34 15% 27% 26% 10% 5% 5% 12%

18-24 23% 20% 25% 10% 3% 4% 15%

All 28% 25% 26% 9% 3% 3% 6%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
The Republic of Moldova should reunite with Romania as soon as possible
The Republic of Moldova should first join the EU and then reunite with Romania
The Republic of Moldova should join the EU but remain independent
The Republic of Moldova should remain independent outside of the EU
The Republic of Moldova should join the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) led by Russia
Other
Don't know/Refused to answer

71
 Foreign Affairs:
Views of Romania’s Place in the World
What do you think Romania’s position in the world is currently?

Strong position Weak position

20% 76%

50%

26%
16%

4% 4%

In a very strong In a somewhat In a somewhat In a very weak Don’t know/

position in the strong position in weak position in position in the Refused to
world the world the world world answer

73
 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following
statement? “Romania’s interests are best served by maintaining
strong relations with:”

European Union 69% 22% 5% 2% 2%

United States 60% 29% 6% 3% 3%

Germany 59% 29% 7% 2%3%

France 55% 33% 7% 2%3%

Great Britain 51% 34% 10% 2% 3%

Russia 35% 32% 20% 10% 4%

China 37% 29% 22% 8% 4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/Refused to answer

74
 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following
statement? “Romania's interests are best served by
maintaining strong relations with the European Union”
(Disaggregated by age)

65+ 68% 25% 6% 1%

55-64 68% 23% 4% 3% 2%

45-54 65% 25% 5% 2% 3%

35-44 73% 19% 4% 2% 2%

25-34 66% 21% 5% 3% 5%

18-24 75% 20% 2% 2% 1%

All 69% 22% 5% 2% 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/Refused to answer

75
 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following
statement? “Romania's interests are best served by
maintaining strong relations with the United States”
(Disaggregated by gender)

Male 63% 28% 6% 3%

Female 57% 30% 6% 3% 4%

All 60% 29% 6% 3% 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/Refused to answer
76
 Some people say that the best way to safeguard Romania’s
national interests in the EU is by building a strong alliance with
other Central European countries like Poland, Slovakia or Hungary
to counterbalance the power of Western Europe.
Do you agree or disagree with that statement?

Agree
42%
46%
Disagree

Don't know/Refused
to answer
12%

77
To what extent is Romania’s NATO membership positive or
negative for the country?

Positive Negative

85% 13%

44%
41%

10%
3% 3%

Very positive Somewhat positive Somewhat Very negative Don’t

negative know/Refused
to answer
78
 To what extent is Romania's NATO membership positive or
negative for the country?
(Disaggregated by gender)

Male 47% 41% 8% 2%2%

Female 41% 42% 11% 3% 3%

All 44% 41% 10% 3% 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very positive Somewhat positive Somewhat negative Very negative Don't know/Refused to answer
79
 To what extent is Romania's NATO membership positive or
negative for the country?
(Disaggregated by educational level)

Higher/University 49% 39% 7% 2% 3%

Secondary 42% 43% 11% 2%2%

Elementary 40% 40% 10% 7% 3%

All 44% 41% 10% 3% 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very positive Somewhat positive Somewhat negative Very Negative Don't know/Refused to answer
80
In your opinion, to what extent is Romania’s independence
guaranteed or under threat?

Guaranteed Under threat

80% 17%

52%

28%

14%

3% 3%

It's fully It's somewhat It's somewhat It's fully under Don't
guaranteed guaranteed under threat threat know/Refused
to answer

81
Who threatens Romania’s independence the most?
(Respondents who said that Romania’s independence is under
threat: n=200; open-ended)

Russia 31%

Politicians 14%

Hungary 10%

Foreign interests 10%

USA 6%

Terrorists 5%

Magistrates 5%

War 4%

Corruption 2%

Don't Know/Refused to answer 13%

82
 Regardless of the historic differences between Russia and
Romania, to what extent would you agree or disagree that
Vladimir Putin’s style of government is one that should be applied
in Romania?

Agree Disagree

29% 68%

49%

19% 19%
10%
3%

Strongly agree Somewhat Somewhat Strongly disagree Don't

agree disagree know/Refused
to answer

83
Do you believe that European Union membership is a good thing
for Romania?

85%

Yes

No

Don't know/Refused
to answer

6% 9%

84
What do you think is the most important aspect of the EU that
functions well?
(Open-ended; mentions of 1% or more displayed)

European funds 14%

Union and trust among countries/Freedom 12%

Economics/Commercial relations 12%

Free movement of persons 10%

Respect for justice/Democratic laws 4%

Respecting human rights 4%

Jobs 3%

Better living 2%

Army/Country protection 1%

European Court of Human Rights 1%

Everything 1%

Nothing 11%

Don't know/Refused to answer 25%

85
What do you think is the most important aspect of the EU that
does not function well?
(Open-ended)

The differences with the West and discrimination among countries 8%

Uncertainty of borders/Terrorism 5%

Economic pressures on poor countries/Economic crisis 4%

Migration/Refugees 3%

European funds hard to access/Uneven and small aids 3%

Interests of the European Union detrimental to some countries 3%

Corruption 2%

Social differences 2%

Ordering rules/Engaging in national affairs 2%

Inequality of wage income 2%

Citizens' security/Defense 2%

Autonomy of Romania 1%

Other 3%

Everything works well 22%

Don't know/Refused to answer 36%

86
In your opinion, what is the greatest benefit Romania receives
through its membership in the European Union
(Two responses accepted)

Funds for economic development 46% 65%

Provides Romania with new economic

20% 46%
opportunities

Provides a counterweight for more

9% 24%
democracy in the country

Provides Romania with a bigger arena to

9% 24%
advance its position in the world

It secures peace at Romania's borders 9% 23%

Other 2%

No Benefit 3%

Don't know/Refused 3%

First choice All

87
What would you say is the biggest problem of the European Union
today?
(Two responses accepted)

It is not delivering prosperity for ordinary

22% 42%
citizens
It is only serving Western interests and not
21% 37%
helping countries like Romania
It does not offer security to European
15% 28%
citizens

It is not capable of securing our borders 9% 19%

It is not democratic enough 8% 16%

It is not functioning well 8% 15%

Other 1% 2%

No problem 8%

Don't know/Refused to answer 8%

First choice All

88
If a referendum were held today on whether to stay in the EU,
would you vote to:

3%
5%
8%
Stay in the EU

Leave the EU

Would not vote

Don't know/Refused to
84% answer

89
Do you believe that being part of the European Union has brought
economic benefits or harm to Romanian citizens?

It has brought economic benefits to most Romanians 35%

It has brought economic benefits to some Romanians

31%
but has harmed others

It has not changed the economic situation 11%

It has brought more economic harm than benefits to

9%
Romanians

It has mostly hurt Romanians economically 10%

Don't know/Refused to answer 4%

90
Demographics
 0%
100%

10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Male

48%
Female

52%
18-24

11%
25-34

17%
20%
35-44
45-54
55-64

65+ 15% 17%

20%

Elementary or less
14%

Secondary
58%

College or university
28%

Northwest Transilvania

Southeast Transilvania
Demographics

13% 12%

Northern Moldavia
16%

Dobrogea and South Moldavia

13%

Southeast Muntenia
16%

Bucharest-Ilfov

Oltenia
11% 10% 9%

Banat

Urban
59%

Rural
41%

92
 0%
100%

10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%

3%
Blue-collar worker

Agricultural

1%
White-collar worker

22%
Professional

28%

7%
Housewife

Retired
28%

Unemployed
1%
5%

Student / Pupil
4%

Other
Demographics

4%

Catholic

Orthodox
90%

2%

Protestant
3%

Other
93
Center for Insights in Survey Research
202.408.9450 | info@iri.org
www.IRI.org | @IRI_Polls