Far-right AUR keeps lead in Romanian opinion poll with 34% support
Romania's far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) remains the most popular party at 34%, even after a pro-European government was confirmed. The figures come from a CURS poll conducted on 22–27 October.
In Romania, a European Union member state, the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) is still the most popular political force, with 34% support. This is shown by a poll from the CURS research centre, carried out on 22–27 October, shortly after parliament confirmed a pro-European government led by Luca Niculescu. The results were reported by the outlet European Pravda.
Party ratings
If parliamentary elections were held next Sunday, AUR would win 34% of the vote. The Social Democratic Party (PSD) follows with 26%, and the National Liberal Party (PNL) is third with 16%. The Save Romania Union (USR) would receive 8%, while the ethnic Hungarian party UDMR would enter parliament with 5%.
Public mood
A majority of Romanians, 77%, believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, while 18% think the opposite. Another 5% gave no opinion.
Respondents named lower prices and cost of living as the top priority for the Niculescu government, cited by 41%. Higher wages and pensions came second (39%), followed by lower taxes and fees (27%). Reducing the budget deficit and public spending was mentioned by 23%, and public administration reform by 22%.
Methodology
The poll used computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) with a sample of 1,068 respondents aged 18 and over, representative of Romania's adult population.
Background
On 20 October, Romania's Chamber of Deputies and Senate formally approved the new government headed by Niculescu. This ended a political crisis lasting several months and averted early elections, in which AUR, led by George Simion, could potentially have come out on top. In a July poll, AUR had 40% support.
