One of the key conclusions of the 13th edition of the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research Barometer is that Romanian society is divided between supporters of democracy – even at the cost of political conflict and debate – and those who would accept a less democratic regime in exchange for order and stability.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER is a monthly opinion poll conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of the news platform Informat.ro, in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group think tank.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER aims to bring to public attention topics of interest to stimulate national conversations on diverse subjects and key public policies for Romania’s present and future, based on citizen’s opinions, in partnership with prestigious think tanks and academic institutions. It is an initiative intended to contribute to strengthening democracy by using scientific and credible tools that place citizen’s voices at the center of public debate.

Methodology: Data were collected between July 13-16 2026. Research method: questionnaire-based interviews. Data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews). The simple random sample included 1,100 respondents and is representative of the significant sociodemographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for Romania’s non-institutionalized population aged 18 and older. The maximum margin of error is ±2.95% at a 95% confidence level.

Remus Ștefureac, director of INSCOP Research: “The results of the Informat.ro – INSCOP Barometer indicate a worrying level of weakening attachment to democratic values. Although the current context—marked by political instability, economic difficulties, and declining trust—inevitably shapes public perceptions, the fact that nearly half of Romanians believe that a less democratic regime may be preferable if it ensures order and stability goes beyond mere situational dissatisfaction. At the same time, the majority continues to support democratic control of power, even at the cost of slower decision-making, which shows that democratic principles still retain an important base of legitimacy. The tension between these two attitudes reflects a vulnerable democratic culture, in which a significant part of society is willing to relativize democratic norms when they perceive that these no longer provide order, efficiency, and stability, or when distrust in the fairness of elections persists among important segments of the population. The evolution of these indicators over time will be essential to distinguish between the temporary effects of the current crisis and a potential structural deterioration of attachment to democracy. Younger people tend to support democracy to a greater extent, while AUR voters, individuals with primary education, and rural residents are more likely to prefer a less democratic regime that ensures greater order and stability.”

Preferred type of democratic regime

47.2% of survey participants believe that democracy is preferable, even if it sometimes involves more political conflict and debate, while 46.3% believe that a less democratic regime may be preferable if it ensures more order and stability. 6.5% do not know or did not answer.

PNL and USR voters, men, young people under 30, individuals with higher education, and residents of large urban areas are significantly more likely than average to prefer democracy. AUR voters, individuals aged 45–59, those with primary education, and rural residents are more likely than average to prefer a less democratic regime because it ensures more order and stability.

Agreement with statements

60.6% of respondents believe that it is more important for power to be democratically controlled, even if decisions are made more slowly. By contrast, 29.5% believe that it is more important for decisions to be made quickly, even if democratic control over power is reduced. The share of non-responses is 9.8%.

PNL and USR voters, individuals aged 45–59, those with higher education, and residents of Bucharest and large urban areas are more likely than average to say that democratic control of power is more important. AUR voters, individuals aged 30–44, those with primary education, and rural residents are significantly more likely than average to believe that it is more important for decisions to be made quickly.

Download the graphic presentation: 22.07.26 Barometrul Informat.ro-Inscop Research – Tipul de regim preferat

Today, June 24 2026, at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, in the Virgil Madgearu Hall, the launch of the first edition of the sociological research “The Newmoney.ro – INSCOP Economic Sentiment Index: Romania between uncertainties and hope” took place. The sociological research was carried out by INSCOP Research at the request of Newmoney.ro, in partnership with Informat.ro and the Strategic Thinking Group think tank.

The study was launched during the NewMoney.talks / The Inflection Point conference organized by newmoney.ro and Informat.ro, in partnership with the Bucharest University of Economic Studies and with the support of E-ON, Affidea Clinics, Auchan, Easy Asigurări.

NewMoney.ro, in partnership with Informat.ro, INSCOP Research and Strategic Thinking Group have developed the NewMoney.Talks debate platform, through which important topics of Romanian society are placed on the public agenda, questioned, debated and publicized. We aim to ask the right questions, to the right people and in the right way, so as to trigger a broad process of reflection that goes beyond the framework of a simple conference.

Methodology: The data of the research “The Newmoney.ro – INSCOP Economic Sentiment Index” were collected between June 2–8 2026. Research method: interview based on questionnaire. The data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews), the volume of the simple random sample being 1100 people, representative for the significant socio-demographic categories (gender, age, occupation) of the non-institutionalized population of Romania, aged 18 and over. The maximum margin of error of the data is ±3%, at a confidence level of 95%.

Remus Ștefureac, director of INSCOP Research: “Today we launch the first edition of the Newmoney.ro – INSCOP Economic Sentiment Index, a program of sociological research that will periodically measure the perceptions, expectations and economic behaviors of Romanians through nationwide surveys carried out by INSCOP Research. We aim for the Newmoney.ro – INSCOP Economic Sentiment Index to become a project with national impact and scientific credibility, a solid instrument for assessing the economic sentiment in Romania, comparable to similar research and analyses at the international level. Through constantly monitored indicators and context-adapted themes, the Index will thus provide a detailed radiography of confidence, consumption, savings and the economic outlook of the population. The results of the Newmoney.ro – INSCOP Economic Sentiment Index will be publicly released through events and major media partnerships, becoming relevant benchmarks for the business environment, decision-makers and public opinion.”

Income evolution over the past year

10.9% of Romanians say their income has increased over the past 12 months. 45.4% report that it has remained at the same level, while 41.1% say it has decreased. The share of non-responses is 2.6%.

Report income growth at a higher rate than average: USR voters, people aged 18–44, private sector employees.

Say their income remained at the same level at a higher rate than other respondents: PNL and USR voters, people aged 45–59, public sector employees.

State that their income has decreased at an above-average rate: PSD voters, people over 60, residents of Bucharest.

Expectations regarding income in the next six months

11.5% of respondents believe their household income will increase in the next six months. 41.6% think it will remain the same, while 37.7% expect a decrease. 9.2% do not know or did not answer.

Anticipate income growth at a higher rate than average: PSD voters, men, people under 30, private sector employees.

Believe income will remain at the same level at a higher rate than the rest of the population: PNL and USR voters, people over 60, those with higher education, private sector employees.

AUR voters, women, people with primary education, residents of small urban areas, and public sector employees expect income decreases at a rate above the sample average.

Expectations regarding price developments

84.5% of respondents believe prices will increase over the next six months. 8.5% think they will remain stable, while 3.8% believe they will decrease. The share of non-responses is 3.1%.

AUR voters, people aged 30–44, and public sector employees expect price increases at a higher rate than the rest of the population.

Believe prices will remain stable at a higher rate than average: PNL voters, people with higher education, residents of Bucharest.

PSD voters anticipate price decreases at a rate above the sample average.

Purchase intention: government bonds

5.2% of respondents say they intend to buy government bonds in the next six months, while 91.7% say they do not. 3.1% do not know or did not answer.

USR voters and Bucharest residents show a higher-than-average intention to purchase government bonds.

Purchase intention: Euro

17% of Romanians say they intend to buy euros in the next six months. 81.4% state they are not considering such a purchase. The share of non-responses is 1.6%.

PNL and USR voters, men, people under 30, those with higher education, and residents of Bucharest are more likely than average to intend to buy euros.

PSD and AUR voters, as well as people with primary education, are more likely than average to say they do not intend to buy euros.

Saving intention: bank deposits

20.6% of survey participants say they intend to save money in a bank deposit (in lei) over the next six months. 78% say they do not have this intention. 1.4% do not know or did not answer.

Show a higher-than-average intention to save in bank deposits: PNL and USR voters, people under 30, those with higher education, residents of Bucharest, public sector employees.

The following groups are less likely to consider such an option (above average): PSD and AUR voters, people over 60, those with primary education.

Purchase intention: Car

9.5% of respondents say they intend to buy a car in the next six months. 89.9% state they are not considering such a purchase. The share of non-responses is 0.6%.

PNL voters, men, and people under 30 are more likely than average to intend to buy a car.

PSD and USR voters, women, people over 60, and residents of Bucharest and large urban areas are more likely than average to say they do not intend to buy a car.

Purchase intention: Household appliances / furniture

23.6% of respondents say they intend to purchase household appliances or furniture in the next six months. 75.3% say they do not. 1.1% do not know or did not answer.

More likely than average to plan such purchases: PNL and USR voters, men, people under 30, those with higher education, rural residents, private sector employees.

Less likely than average: PSD voters, women, people over 60, those with primary education, residents of Bucharest.

Purchase intention: Housing

8.7% of Romanians say they intend to purchase a home (studio, apartment, or house) in the next six months. 91.2% say they are not considering such a purchase. The share of non-responses is 0.1%.

People under 30 show a higher-than-average intention to purchase housing.

Control over one’s own economic situation

10.6% of respondents believe they have a very high degree of control over their economic situation in the coming years. 25.5% say they have quite a lot of control, 28.8% quite little control, and 30% very little or no control. 5.2% do not know or did not answer.

More likely than average to feel in control: PNL and USR voters, men, people aged 18–44, those with higher education, residents of Bucharest, private sector employees.

More likely than average to feel little or no control: PSD and AUR voters, women, people over 45, those with primary education.

Confidence in the younger generation

14.6% of respondents say they have a great deal of confidence that the younger generation will improve Romania. 22.7% have quite a lot of confidence, 27.1% quite little, and 32% very little or none. The share of non-responses is 3.6%.

Higher-than-average confidence: PNL and USR voters, people under 30, those with higher education, residents of Bucharest, private sector employees.

Lowest levels of confidence: AUR voters, people aged 30–44, those with primary education.

Life in Romania in 10 years

33.6% of Romanians believe that life in Romania will be better in 10 years than it is today. 16.1% think it will remain the same, while 38.1% believe it will be worse. 12.2% do not know or did not answer.

More optimistic than average: PNL and USR voters, men, people under 30, those with higher education, residents of large urban areas.

More likely to expect no change: USR voters, people with higher education, residents of Bucharest.

More pessimistic than average: AUR voters, people aged 30–44, those with primary education, rural residents.

Romania’s future performance

When asked in which areas they believe Romania has the greatest chances to perform well in the future, 37.3% of survey participants point to agriculture and food production, 23.4% to technology and digitalization, 15.8% to education and youth training, and 13.4% to roads, highways, and infrastructure. 10.8% mention business and the development of Romanian companies, 6.6% sports and athletic performance, 6.4% environmental protection and green energy, and 5.1% culture and creative industries. The share of non-responses is 16.5%.

Above-average proportions see the greatest development opportunities in agriculture and food production among PSD voters, people over 60, rural residents, and public sector employees.

PNL and USR voters, people under 30, those with higher education, residents of Bucharest, and private sector employees consider technology and digitalization to be Romania’s main competitive advantage at a higher rate than the rest of the population.

People over 60 and private sector employees indicate education and youth training as the main area of potential at a higher-than-average rate.

Priorities for Romania’s development

When asked what are the most important things Romania needs in order to develop in the coming years, 46.7% of respondents indicate more competent political leaders, 36.1% better education, and 19.2% economic development and investment. 11.8% mention more active citizen involvement, 9.3% preserving Romanian values and traditions, 8.4% technology and digitalization, and 6.8% leveraging the relationship with the European Union. 4.8% do not know or did not answer.

The belief that Romania needs more competent political leaders is above average among AUR voters, people aged 45–59, those with higher education, residents of large urban areas, and public sector employees.

PNL and USR voters, people under 30, those with higher education, and residents of Bucharest consider education to be the main development priority at a higher rate than the rest of the population.

People aged 30–44, those with primary and higher education, and residents of Bucharest indicate economic development and investment at a higher rate than the rest of the population.

Download the graphic presentation: 24.06.2026 INDEXUL Newmoney.ro – INSCOP

According to the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER, 12th edition, conducted between June 2–8 2026, more than half of Romanians are confident that they can differentiate real information from false information when news about security or war appears. However, the majority of those interviewed are skeptical about the public’s ability to detect false news on this subject.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER is a monthly opinion poll conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of the news platform Informat.ro, in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group think tank.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER aims to bring to public attention topics of interest to stimulate national conversations on diverse subjects and key public policies for Romania’s present and future, based on citizen’s opinions, in partnership with prestigious think tanks and academic institutions. It is an initiative intended to contribute to strengthening democracy by using scientific and credible tools that place citizen’s voices at the center of public debate.

Methodology: Data were collected between June 2-8 2026. Research method: questionnaire-based interviews. Data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews). The simple random sample included 1,100 respondents and is representative of the significant sociodemographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for Romania’s non-institutionalized population aged 18 and older. The maximum margin of error is ±3% at a 95% confidence level.

Remus Ștefureac, director of INSCOP Research: “Romanians have much more confidence in their own ability to detect false information than in the ability of others, a sign of a strong illusion of informational control. The difference between self-assessment and the assessment of the population suggests that the problem of disinformation is perceived as being ‘of others’, not a personal one. Each individual sees themselves as more resistant to manipulation than the average of society, which can reduce vigilance towards their own vulnerabilities. Paradoxically, although most believe that they distinguish truth from falsehood, the same majority considers that society, as a whole, is easy to mislead.”

Personal capacity to identify false information

22.3% of Romanians declare themselves very confident that they can differentiate real information from false information when news about security or war appears. 32.2% say they are rather confident, 24.2% rather not confident, and 15.6% not at all confident. The share of non-responses is 5.7%.

The following groups are confident that they can identify false information in a higher proportion than the average: PNL and USR voters, men, people aged between 18 and 44, those with higher education, residents of Bucharest, employees in the private sector.

AUR voters, women, people over 45 and those with primary education have the least confidence in their own ability to distinguish real from false information.

Population capacity to identify false information

8.3% of survey participants declare themselves very confident that people, in general, can differentiate real information from false information when news about security or war appears. 15.7% are rather confident, 41.8% rather not confident, and 24.9% not at all confident. 9.2% do not know or do not answer.

The following groups are confident that people, in general, can differentiate real information from false information when news about security or war appears in a higher proportion than the average: PSD voters, men, people with primary education, residents of rural areas.

PNL and USR voters, young people under 30 and people aged between 45 and 59, those with higher education, residents of Bucharest and large urban areas and employees in the public sector are skeptical about the public’s ability to detect false information at a higher rate than the rest of the population.

Download the graphic presentation: 11.06.26 Barometrul Informat.ro-Inscop Research – Capacitatea de a detecta informațiile false

According to the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER, 11th edition, conducted between May 11–14 2026, the vast majority of respondents consider that Romania needs stability and want a change of the political class, the continuation of economic reforms and the protection of the population.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER is a monthly opinion poll conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of the news platform Informat.ro, in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group think tank.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER aims to bring to public attention topics of interest to stimulate national conversations on diverse subjects and key public policies for Romania’s present and future, based on citizen’s opinions, in partnership with prestigious think tanks and academic institutions. It is an initiative intended to contribute to strengthening democracy by using scientific and credible tools that place citizen’s voices at the center of public debate.

Methodology: Data were collected between May 11-14 2026. Research method: questionnaire-based interviews. Data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews). The simple random sample included 1,100 respondents and is representative of the significant sociodemographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for Romania’s non-institutionalized population aged 18 and older. The maximum margin of error is ±3% at a 95% confidence level.

Agreement with statements

87.8% of respondents totally agree with the statement “Romania needs stability, not political conflicts”, while 7.5% somewhat agree. 1.3% somewhat disagree with this statement, and 2% totally disagree. The share of non-responses is 1.3%.

The statement “It is time for a complete change of the political class” gathers the total agreement of 68.7% of those surveyed. 15.8% somewhat agree with the statement, 5.9% somewhat disagree, and 6.3% totally disagree. 3.2% do not know or do not answer.

46.9% of respondents totally agree with the statement “The state must protect the population even at the risk of no longer being able to pay its debts”, while 23.1% somewhat agree. 9.6% somewhat disagree, and 15.8% totally disagree. 4.6% do not know or do not answer.

The following groups agree with the given statement in a higher proportion than the rest of the population: AUR voters, people with primary education, residents of rural areas. PNL and USR voters, young people under 30, those with higher education and residents of Bucharest are against the statement at a higher rate than the average.

Asked to what extent they agree with the statement: “Economic reforms must be continued even if they are unpopular”, 45.6% of those interviewed say they totally agree, 21% somewhat agree, while 6.8% somewhat disagree and 19.9% totally disagree. The share of non-responses is 6.6%.

PNL and USR voters, those with higher education, residents of Bucharest and employees in the public sector agree with the given statement in a higher proportion than the rest of the population.

Download the graphic presentation: 27.05.2026 Barometrul Informat.ro-Inscop Research – Stabilitatea politică, schimbarea clasei politice, reformele economice

27.8% of Romanians indicate that the main problem of the country is corruption, while 48.2% consider that the priority in the next 6 months should be the increase of salaries and pensions. These are the main conclusions of the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER, 11th edition, conducted between May 11–14, 2026.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER is a monthly opinion poll conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of the news platform Informat.ro, in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group think tank.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER aims to bring to public attention topics of interest to stimulate national conversations on diverse subjects and key public policies for Romania’s present and future, based on citizen’s opinions, in partnership with prestigious think tanks and academic institutions. It is an initiative intended to contribute to strengthening democracy by using scientific and credible tools that place citizen’s voices at the center of public debate.

Methodology: Data were collected between May 11-14 2026. Research method: questionnaire-based interviews. Data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews). The simple random sample included 1,100 respondents and is representative of the significant sociodemographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for Romania’s non-institutionalized population aged 18 and older. The maximum margin of error is ±3% at a 95% confidence level.

Remus Ștefureac, director of INSCOP Research: “The study indicates a concentration of public anxiety on issues related to systemic insecurity. The fact that the issue of corruption coexists with the strong pressure for increases in salaries and pensions shows the emergence of an electorate that is simultaneously moralizing and dependent on the economic protection of the state – a combination that favors populist discourses that promise both ‘clean-up’ and rapid redistribution. The cleavages between party voters suggest not only electoral differences, but the existence of distinct socio-cultural ‘Romanias’: one oriented toward administrative efficiency and European integration, the other centered on immediate economic security and distrust of institutional elites.”

The main problem of Romania

Asked what they believe is the main problem of the country, 27.8% of respondents mention corruption, 14.9% – the lack of well-paid jobs, 13.4% – political instability, 10.7% – inflation and the cost of living. 8.1% of those surveyed indicate the budget deficit and public debt, 6.6% the state of the education system, 5% the state of the healthcare system, 4.4% the war and the international context, 2.6% something else. 2.4% do not know or do not answer.

PNL, USR and AUR voters, men, people aged between 30 and 44, residents of Bucharest and of large urban areas mention corruption as the main problem of the country in a higher proportion than the average.

The following groups indicate the lack of well-paid jobs at a higher rate than the rest of the population: PSD voters, residents of small urban areas, people aged between 45 and 59.

People with higher education consider that political instability is the main problem of the country in a higher proportion than the average.

Measures for the next half year

48.2% of those interviewed consider that the priority in the next 6 months should be the increase of salaries and pensions, 33.7% the reduction of taxes, 26.1% the attraction of European funds, 25.8% the reduction of state expenditures, 22.7% combating tax evasion, 16.4% political stability and agreement between parties, 15% public administration reform, 14.2% increasing public investments, and 9.1% the organization of early elections. 3.5% mention another priority, and 2.1% do not know or do not answer.

The following groups mention the increase of salaries and pensions as a priority measure in a higher percentage than the rest of the population: PSD and AUR voters, women, people aged between 30 and 44, those with primary education, residents of small urban areas and rural areas.

AUR voters, women, people aged between 18 and 44, those with primary education and residents of small urban areas indicate tax reduction in a higher proportion than the average.

PNL and USR voters, people with higher education, residents of the capital and large urban areas and employees in the public sector most frequently indicate the attraction of European funds as a priority measure for the next half year.

The following groups believe that reducing state expenditures should be a priority measure in the next 6 months at a higher rate than the general population: PNL and USR voters, people with higher education, residents of Bucharest, employees in the private sector.

PNL and USR voters, men, young people under 30, people with higher education, residents of the capital and large urban areas consider, in a higher proportion than the rest of the population, combating tax evasion as a priority measure.

Download the graphic presentation: 26.05.2026 Raport Barometrul Informat.ro-Inscop Research – Probleme si Prioritati

According to the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER, 11th edition, conducted between May 11–14, 2026, most Romanians would vote against the dismissal of President Nicușor Dan in the event of organizing a referendum on this topic.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER is a monthly opinion poll conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of the news platform Informat.ro, in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group think tank.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER aims to bring to public attention topics of interest to stimulate national conversations on diverse subjects and key public policies for Romania’s present and future, based on citizen’s opinions, in partnership with prestigious think tanks and academic institutions. It is an initiative intended to contribute to strengthening democracy by using scientific and credible tools that place citizen’s voices at the center of public debate.

Methodology: Data were collected between May 11-14 2026. Research method: questionnaire-based interviews. Data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews). The simple random sample included 1,100 respondents and is representative of the significant sociodemographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for Romania’s non-institutionalized population aged 18 and older. The maximum margin of error is ±3% at a 95% confidence level.

Remus Ștefureac, director of INSCOP Research: “The dismissal of President Nicușor Dan through a potential referendum does not have support in Romanian society, not even following the application of a question that tests a hypothetical situation. The proximity to the electoral moment of 2025 and the systemic risks perceived by the majority of voters, in the context of the tense electoral period of 2024–2025, fuel the public’s hostility towards a referendum for the dismissal of the president, which would only amplify the already huge political uncertainties that are costly from an economic and social point of view. In other words, despite contextual political polarizations, the perspective of a breaking point of such magnitude closes ranks and determines the population to return to the boundaries of the electoral pools configured in the second round of the presidential elections.”

Referendum for the dismissal of the President

If next Sunday a referendum were to be organized regarding the dismissal of the president, 44% of Romanians state that they would vote for the dismissal of Nicușor Dan, while 50.7% would vote against the dismissal. 5.4% do not know or do not answer.

If we exclude the 5.4% of respondents who do not know or do not answer this question, it results that 53.1% of Romanians would vote against the dismissal of the president, while 46.9% would vote for dismissal in the event of organizing a referendum.

The following groups would vote for the dismissal of President Nicușor Dan at a higher rate than the rest of the population: AUR voters (77%), people with primary education (63%), residents of rural areas (55%), TikTok users (59%).

The following groups would vote against the dismissal of the president, in a higher percentage than the average: PNL (86%), USR (86%) and PSD (59%) voters, people over 60 (59%), those with higher education (73%), residents of Bucharest (68%) and of large urban areas (61%).

Download the graphic presentation: 25.05.2026 Raport Barometrul Informat.ro-Inscop Research – Referendum pentru demiterea președintelui

According to the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER, 11th edition, conducted between May 11–14 2026, 4 out of 10 Romanians believe that organizing early parliamentary elections would be the best solution for overcoming the current political crisis in Romania.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER is a monthly opinion poll conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of the news platform Informat.ro, in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group think tank.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER aims to bring to public attention topics of interest to stimulate national conversations on diverse subjects and key public policies for Romania’s present and future, based on citizen’s opinions, in partnership with prestigious think tanks and academic institutions. It is an initiative intended to contribute to strengthening democracy by using scientific and credible tools that place citizen’s voices at the center of public debate.

Methodology: Data were collected between May 11-14 2026. Research method: questionnaire-based interviews. Data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews). The simple random sample included 1,100 respondents and is representative of the significant sociodemographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for Romania’s non-institutionalized population aged 18 and older. The maximum margin of error is ±3% at a 95% confidence level.

Remus Ștefureac, director of INSCOP Research: “At this moment, a critical majority in favor of early elections is not taking shape, only 41% believing the best solution for overcoming the political crisis is the organization of early elections. The vast majority of PNL, PSD and USR voters oppose early elections, while AUR voters support early elections as a solution to exit the crisis. Two thirds of Romanians want the continuation of the pro-European / pro-Western direction, but a quarter of the population (26%) believe that the future Government should no longer continue the current pro-European/pro-Western direction. The percentage is significantly higher among AUR voters (42% who do not support the continuation of the pro-European/pro-Western direction compared to 49% who support the pro-European / pro-Western direction). The vast majority of PNL (95%), USR (89%) and PSD (74%) voters support the continuation of the pro-European / pro-Western direction. This 26% of the population skeptical of Romania’s pro-Western direction is quite close to the 22% of Romanians who would support the idea of Romania leaving the European Union. It draws attention both to the risks of the constant anti-European narratives of Russian propaganda, taken over by some domestic political and influence actors, and to the need to correct some structural problems related to the fact that the benefits of EU membership have not been distributed equitably over the last 19 years. The possible amplification of this current due to radical populism risks becoming one of the most serious problems of the country.”

Solutions for overcoming the political crisis

50.7% of survey participants believe that the best solution for overcoming the current political crisis is the formation of a new government around the parties represented in Parliament, while 41.3% believe that early parliamentary elections should be organized. The share of non-responses is 8%.

The following groups believe that the best solution for overcoming the current political crisis is the formation of a new government around the parties represented in Parliament at a higher rate than the average: PSD, PNL and USR voters, people over 60, those with higher education, residents of urban areas.

AUR voters, men, people aged between 45 and 59 and employees in the private sector consider, in a higher proportion than the rest of the population, that the best solution would be the organization of early parliamentary elections.

The direction of the future government

65.6% of respondents consider that the future government should continue the pro-European and pro-Western direction, while 26.2% are of the opposite opinion. The share of non-responses is 8.2%.

The following groups are of the opinion that the future government should continue the pro-European and pro-Western direction in a higher proportion than the rest of the population: PSD, PNL and USR voters, people over 60, those with higher education, residents of Bucharest.

AUR voters and people with primary education believe the most that the future government should not continue in the pro-European and pro-Western direction.

Download the graphic presentation: 21.05.2026 Barometrul Informat.ro-Inscop Research – Depășirea crizei politice

According to the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER, 11th edition, conducted between May 11–14 2026, almost half of Romanians believe that, through his public positions during this period, President Nicușor Dan acted to reduce misunderstandings between parties and political leaders.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER is a monthly opinion poll conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of the news platform Informat.ro, in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group think tank.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER aims to bring to public attention topics of interest to stimulate national conversations on diverse subjects and key public policies for Romania’s present and future, based on citizen’s opinions, in partnership with prestigious think tanks and academic institutions. It is an initiative intended to contribute to strengthening democracy by using scientific and credible tools that place citizen’s voices at the center of public debate.

Methodology: Data were collected between May 11-14 2026. Research method: questionnaire-based interviews. Data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews). The simple random sample included 1,100 respondents and is representative of the significant sociodemographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for Romania’s non-institutionalized population aged 18 and older. The maximum margin of error is ±3% at a 95% confidence level.

Remus Ștefureac, director of INSCOP Research: “Half of Romanians believe that through the public positions expressed during this period, President Nicușor Dan acted to reduce misunderstandings between parties and political leaders, while one third believe the opposite, namely that he acted to amplify misunderstandings between parties and political leaders. AUR voters are the most hostile to the president, while PSD, PNL and USR voters appreciate, in relatively similar proportions, the president’s mediation efforts. As regards the activity of President Nicușor Dan, the higher percentage of PSD (46%), PNL (55%), and USR (48%) voters who are satisfied with his activity stands out, as well as the very high percentage of dissatisfied AUR voters (95%). Polarization is different in the case of the activity of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan – 84% of PNL voters and 78% of USR voters declare themselves satisfied, while 91% of PSD voters and 95% of AUR voters declare themselves dissatisfied.”

The role of the President in the political conflict

49.2% of respondents consider that, through his public positions during this period, President Nicușor Dan acted to reduce misunderstandings between parties and political leaders, while 36.3% believe that he contributed to amplifying them. The share of non-responses is 14.6%.

The following groups believe that President Nicușor Dan acted to reduce misunderstandings between parties and political leaders in a higher proportion than the rest of the population: PSD, PNL and USR voters, people over 60 years old, residents of Bucharest.

AUR voters, men, people aged between 18 and 44, those with primary education and residents of rural areas consider, in a higher proportion than the rest of the population, that the president contributed to amplifying misunderstandings between parties.

The activity of the President

27.6% of Romanians declare themselves very satisfied or rather satisfied with the activity of President Nicușor Dan (4.4% of respondents are very satisfied with his activity as President of Romania, while 23.2% are rather satisfied). 27.7% declare themselves rather dissatisfied, while 42.8% are very dissatisfied. The share of non-responses is 1.9%.

The following groups declare themselves satisfied with the activity of the President in a higher proportion than the rest of the population: PSD, PNL and USR voters, young people under 30 and people over 60, those with higher education, residents of the capital and of large urban areas.

The following groups are dissatisfied with the activity of Nicușor Dan at a higher rate than the general population: AUR voters, people aged between 30 and 44, those with primary education, residents of small urban areas and rural areas, employees in the private sector.

The activity of the Prime Minister

30.5% of respondents declare themselves very satisfied or rather satisfied with the activity of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan (of these, 12.8% of respondents say they are very satisfied with his activity as Prime Minister of Romania, while 17.7% are rather satisfied). 20.2% are rather dissatisfied and 47.7% very dissatisfied. 1.5% do not know or do not answer.

The following groups are satisfied with the activity of the PNL leader at the head of the executive at a higher rate than the average: PNL and USR voters, people with higher education, residents of Bucharest and large urban areas, employees in the private sector.

The following groups declare themselves dissatisfied with the activity of Ilie Bolojan in a higher proportion than the rest of the population: PSD and AUR voters, people over 60, those with primary education, residents of rural areas.

Download the graphic presentation: 20.05.2026 Barometrul Informat.ro-Inscop Research – Evaluarea activității președintelui și a premierului

According to the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research Barometer, 11th edition, conducted between May 11–14 2026, Romanian’s opinions regarding the usefulness and impact of the no-confidence motion are divided.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER is a monthly opinion poll conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of the news platform Informat.ro, in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group think tank.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER aims to bring to public attention topics of interest to stimulate national conversations on diverse subjects and key public policies for Romania’s present and future, based on citizen’s opinions, in partnership with prestigious think tanks and academic institutions. It is an initiative intended to contribute to strengthening democracy by using scientific and credible tools that place citizen’s voices at the center of public debate.

Methodology: Data were collected between May 11-14 2026. Research method: questionnaire-based interviews. Data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews). The simple random sample included 1,100 respondents and is representative of the significant sociodemographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for Romania’s non-institutionalized population aged 18 and older. The maximum margin of error is ±3% at a 95% confidence level.

Remus Ștefureac, director of INSCOP Research: “The strong polarization generated by the no-confidence motion is confirmed by the data showing that approximately half of Romanians (48.6%) believe that the no-confidence motion was a useless political act that will worsen things in Romania, while the other half (44%) believe that the no-confidence motion was a necessary political act that will improve things in Romania. Moreover, the split between the electorates of the main four parties is total. 88% of PNL voters and 92% of USR voters believe that the motion will worsen things in the country; in contrast, 69% of PSD voters and 74% of AUR voters believe that the motion will improve the country’s situation. Also, 87% of PNL voters and 85% of USR voters believe that the Bolojan Government was removed because it tried to reduce privileges, corruption and unnecessary spending; in complete contrast, 83% of PSD voters and 84% of AUR voters believe that the Bolojan Government was removed because it increased taxes and managed the country’s economic situation poorly. The only aspect on which the electorates of the mentioned parties seem to agree is the very high level of concern regarding the current political situation, as 84% of USR voters, 78% of AUR voters, 75% of PSD voters and 71% of PNL voters declare themselves very concerned or quite concerned.”

The country’s political situation

43.7% of Romanians declare themselves very concerned about the current political situation. 30.8% are quite concerned, 9.7% quite little concerned, and 14.3% very little/not at all concerned. The share of non-responses is 1.5%.

The following groups are concerned about the current political situation in Romania in a higher proportion than the rest of the population: USR voters, women, people over 60, private sector employees.

The following groups are little or not at all concerned about the current political situation of the country at a higher rate than the average: PNL voters, young people under 30, public sector employees.

No-confidence motion, a necessary vs. a useless political act

44% of survey participants believe that the no-confidence motion submitted by PSD and AUR represented a necessary political act that will improve things in Romania. 48.6% believe that the action of the two parties represented a useless act that will worsen the situation. 7.4% do not know or do not answer.

PSD and AUR voters, people over 60, those with primary education and rural residents believe in a higher proportion than average that the no-confidence motion submitted by PSD and AUR against the Bolojan Government was a necessary political act that will improve things in Romania.

The following groups believe at a higher rate than the rest of the population that the no-confidence motion represented a useless act that will worsen the situation to a greater extent: PNL and USR voters, young people under 30, individuals with higher education, residents of Bucharest and large urban areas.

Reasons for the removal of the Bolojan Government

33.6% of Romanians believe that the Bolojan Government was removed because it tried to reduce privileges, corruption and unnecessary spending in the public sector, while 57.8% believe that it was removed because of tax increases and the poor management of the economic situation. 6.8% do not know or cannot assess, and 1.8% do not answer.

The following groups believe that the Bolojan Government was removed because it tried to reduce privileges, corruption and unnecessary spending in the public sector in a higher proportion than the rest of the population: PNL and USR voters, individuals with higher education, residents of Bucharest and large urban areas, public sector employees.

PSD and AUR voters, young people under 30 and individuals with primary education believe in a higher percentage than rest of the population that the executive led by Ilie Bolojan was removed because of tax increases and the poor management of the economic situation.

Download the graphic presentation: 19.05.2026 Barometrul Informat.ro-Motiunea de cenzura

According to the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research Barometer, 11th edition, conducted between May 11–14 2026, the National Liberal Party (PNL) rises to second place in the ranking of voting preferences for parliamentary elections, overtaking the Social Democratic Party (PSD). Some important differences can be observed between the percentages in the voting intention ranking among those who choose a party and the percentages among those who choose a party and declare that they will definitely vote (mobilized voters).

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER is a monthly opinion poll conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of the news platform Informat.ro, in partnership with the Strategic Thinking Group think tank.

The Informat.ro – INSCOP Research BAROMETER aims to bring to public attention topics of interest to stimulate national conversations on diverse subjects and key public policies for Romania’s present and future, based on citizen’s opinions, in partnership with prestigious think tanks and academic institutions. It is an initiative intended to contribute to strengthening democracy by using scientific and credible tools that place citizen’s voices at the center of public debate.

Methodology: Data were collected between May 11-14, 2026. Research method: questionnaire-based interviews. Data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews). The simple random sample included 1,100 respondents and is representative of the significant sociodemographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for Romania’s non-institutionalized population aged 18 and older. The maximum margin of error is ±3% at a 95% confidence level.

Remus Ștefureac, Director of INSCOP Research: “The first Informat.ro–INSCOP Barometer conducted after the no-confidence motion shows several important changes in Romanian’s voting intentions for political parties. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians remains the leading party in Romania in terms of voting intention, relatively stable in the 38–41% range (variation depending on voter mobilization). A major change is observed regarding second place. For the first time in the past six years, the National Liberal Party (PSD) overtakes the Social Democratic Party (PSD) with a score of 20–22% (up five percentage points compared to the previous month), while PSD drops to third place with a significant decline, recording 13–17% (down three points compared to April). The gap between the two parties varies between 3 percentage points among voters with a stated preference and over 8 percentage points among mobilized voters. The Save Romania Union (AUR) is also declining, reaching 10%, while the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) remains within its usual 3–5% range. The no-confidence motion has led to strong polarization in Romanian society, which has generated a significant rise for the PNL, driven by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, whose popularity has increased rapidly and somewhat unexpectedly. At the same time, it can be observed that the variation in electoral support for the major political blocs from April to May is not yet very large, neither among voters who choose a party (the AUR–SOS–POT bloc remains at 43%, the PNL–USR bloc increases slightly by two points from 28% to 30%, while PSD loses three points from 20% to 17%), nor among mobilized voters (the AUR–SOS–POT bloc increases from 45% to 46%, the PNL–USR bloc from 31% to 33%, while PSD drops from 16% to 13%). Interestingly, compared to the situation one year ago (May 2025), AUR, PSD, and UDMR are practically at the same levels, while PNL increases by four points and USR decreases by two points.”

Estimated turnout for parliamentary elections

On a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 means that they “definitely will not” go to vote and 10 “definitely will” go to vote, 15.2% of Romanians chose 1, 0.5% chose 2, 0.4% chose 3, 0.3% chose 4, 3.6% chose 5, 1.2% chose 6, 2.4% chose 7. 4.4% indicate 8, 3.1% 9 and 67.4% indicate 10. 1.5% do not know or do not answer this question.

Voting intention for parliamentary elections

Reported among those who expressed a preference for a party from the list, regardless of whether they declare that they would definitely go to vote or not (77.4% of the total sample)

• AUR: 38.2% of voters would vote for AUR (compared to 37% in April 2026, 38% in March, 40.9% in January, 38% in November, 40% in October, 40.8% in September, 40.5% in June, 38.11% in May 2025).
• PNL: 20.3% for PNL (compared to 15.5% in April 2026, 14.5% in March, 13.5% in January, 14.6% in November, 14.8% in October, 15.2% in September, 17.3% in June, 16% in May 2025).
• PSD: 17.5% for PSD (compared to 20.1% in April 2026, 19.2% in March, 18.2% in January, 19.5% in November, 17.6% in October, 17.9% in September, 13.7% in June, 17.4% in May 2025).
• USR: 10% for USR (compared to 12.7% in April 2026, 11.4% in March, 11.7% in January, 12.3% in November, 11.5% in October, 12.8% in September, 13.1% in June, 12.2% in May 2025).
• UDMR: 5% of voters would vote for UDMR (compared to 4.3% in April 2026, 4% in March, 4.9% in January, 4.8% in November, 5.2% in October, 4% in September, 5.2% in June, 4.5% in May 2025).
• SOS Romania: 2.9% for SOS Romania (compared to 2.8% in April 2026, 3.3% in March, 2.8% in January, 1.7% in November, 2% in October, 2.8% in September, 1.9% in June 2025).
• SENS: 2.5% for SENS (compared to 2.4% in April 2026, 3.6% in March, 4% in January, 3.2% in November, 3.4% in October, 2.1% in September, 2.4% in June 2025).
• POT: 1.9% of voters would vote for POT (compared to 3.6% in April 2026, 3% in March 2026, 5% in January, 3.1% in November, 2.6% in October, 3.3% in September, 4.2% in June 2025).
• Independent: 0.9% express their preference for an independent candidate (compared to 1% in April 2026, 1.4% in March, 2% in January, 1% in November, 1.3% in October, 0.6% in September, 1.4% in June 2025).
• Other party: 0.9% of voters would vote for another party (compared to 0.7% in April 2026, 1.6% in March, 1.1% in January, 1.8% in November, 1.6% in October, 0.6% in September, 0.5% in June 2025).

Reported among those who expressed a preference for a party from the list and declared that they would definitely go to vote (57.9% of the total sample)

41.4% of those who expressed a voting option would vote for AUR, 21.9% for PNL, 13.3% for PSD, 10.8% for USR. For UDMR, 3.4% of voters would opt, for SOS Romania – 3.1%, for SENS – 2.3%, and for POT – 1.7%. 0.9% of respondents express their preference for an independent candidate, and 1.1% for another party.

Download the graphic presentation: 18.05.2026 Barometrul Informat.ro – Inscop – Vot parlamentare