Romania’s Social Democratic Party (PSD) has published the results of an opinion poll commissioned from the Romanian Institute for Evaluation and Strategy (IRES), showing the party maintaining a clear lead over its former coalition partners despite the ongoing political crisis, while the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) remains the largest political force.<\/p>\n
According to the survey, AUR would receive 40% of voting intentions among respondents who expressed a preference if parliamentary elections were held now, Adevarul<\/a> reported. PSD ranks second with 21%, ahead of the National Liberal Party (PNL) at 17% and Save Romania Union (USR) at 10%. UDMR would receive 3%, while SENS and SOS Romania would each obtain 2%, and POT 1%.\u00a0<\/p>\n The poll noted that these figures are calculated only among respondents who declared a voting intention, representing 84% of the sample.<\/p>\n The survey also pointed to widespread public dissatisfaction with the country’s direction. Some 80% of respondents believe Romania is heading in the wrong direction, reflecting the prolonged political uncertainty following the collapse of the governing coalition.<\/p>\n PSD also highlighted findings on public perceptions of the political crisis. According to the poll, 41% of respondents believe PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu is handling the current situation better than acting prime minister and PNL leader Ilie Bolojan, who was preferred by 38% of respondents. Another 18% said neither leader is managing the situation well, while 1% considered both equally effective.<\/p>\n The publication of the survey comes as PSD and PNL remain locked in a political confrontation over the formation of a new government and the approval of key reforms linked to Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).<\/p>\n The poll has nevertheless drawn criticism from political commentators. Political analyst Cristian Hri\u021buc questioned its credibility, arguing that several recent opinion polls appear inconsistent with political developments.<\/p>\n “I’m amused by the recent polls… Most of them are against any minimal factual logic,” Hri\u021buc wrote on social media, as quoted by The EpochTimes Romania<\/a>, suggesting that parties commissioning surveys may have political incentives to present favourable narratives during the current political deadlock.<\/p>\n