Bucharest Poll: 73% Believe Romania is on Wrong Track; Tight Race for Mayor

A significant majority of Bucharest residents, 73%, believe Romania is moving in the wrong direction, according to a recent CURS poll. Only 16% of respondents expressed a positive view of the country's trajectory, indicating a high level of public dissatisfaction fueled by recent political and economic instability.

While the perception of the capital city itself is slightly more favorable, with 62% of residents deeming its direction incorrect compared to 28% who see it positively, the overall sentiment remains critical. The poll highlights that urban mobility, particularly traffic and congestion, is the top priority for Bucharest citizens. This issue was cited by 35% of respondents as the most pressing problem the city hall should address. Poor road conditions (18%) and a lack of parking spaces (11%) followed as significant concerns.

The survey also sheds light on the political landscape ahead of local elections. The National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD) are neck-and-neck, each expected to garner 22% of the vote. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) is close behind with 21%. The Save Romania Union (USR) follows with 16%, while SENS and PNRR-Piedone are projected to receive 5% each. This close competition suggests a highly contested electoral outcome, with no clear frontrunner despite ongoing national political crises.

Regarding the current mayor of the capital, Ciprian Ciucu, public opinion is sharply divided. 46% of respondents believe he should resign due to a criminal investigation he is facing, while 43% support him continuing his mandate. This near-even split suggests a polarized electorate on this matter. The CURS poll was conducted between June 16-26, surveying 1,069 adults in Bucharest, with a maximum margin of error of ±3% at a 95% confidence level.