INSCOP SURVEY Romanians increasingly concerned about corruption. Inflation remains in second place.

Corruption is becoming the main source of concern for Romanians, according to the latest INSCOP opinion poll. 32.2% of respondents indicate this phenomenon as a major problem, compared to 21.5% in November 2023 - a significant increase, suggesting a heightened public perception regarding the inefficiency and lack of integrity of institutions.

In second place is the rise in prices, mentioned by 23.6% of those surveyed, the same level as in the previous wave of the poll, November 2023. Other frequently cited concerns are personal and family health (13.4%, down from 18.1%), education (11.7% down from 14.3%) and lack of jobs (9.8% down from 11.7%). The war in Ukraine worries 6.9% of Romanians, while infrastructure becomes a marginal concern (0.7%).

Sources of concern, based on distinct socio-political profiles

Corruption is the central theme especially for USR and AUR voters, men aged between 45 and 59, individuals with higher education, public sector employees, and residents of the Capital. In contrast, the rise in prices mainly affects PSD voters, young people under 30, individuals with low education, and the rural population.

Groups that mention health as the main concern are predominantly PSD voters, individuals over 60 years old, and those with primary education. The war in Ukraine is perceived as a major threat especially by PNL supporters and the elderly population.

The general trend reveals a polarization of concerns between economic issues and those related to corruption and governance, against the backdrop of a slight decrease in anxiety caused by the geopolitical context.

The sociological research "4 years of war in Ukraine. The profound impact on public opinion in Romania" was conducted by INSCOP Research between January 28 – February 6, 2026, at the request of the New Strategy Center.

Methodology: The survey was conducted by INSCOP Research at the request of the New Strategy Center. Data were collected between January 28 – February 6, 2026. Research method: interview via questionnaire. Data were collected using the CATI method (telephone interviews), with a sample size of 1100 people. The sample is representative for significant socio-demographic categories (gender, age, occupation) for the non-institutionalized population of Romania, aged 18 and over. The maximum allowable error of the data is ± 3%, at a confidence level of 95%.