IRI Moldova Poll: Pro-European Parties Maintain Lead before Elections, Concerned about Russia’s Actions in the Region

Washington, DC – A new Moldova national poll, released today by IRI, finds that while Moldovans continue to be concerned with the issues of jobs, unemployment and corruption, there has been significant increase in support for pro-European parties since IRI’s last survey conducted in July.      

Key Findings

Increased Support for Pro-European Parties

Support for the country’s three pro-European political parties has increased.  Among likely voters the current parties of the ruling Pro-European Coalition are supported by 37 percent, with the Liberal Democratic Party gaining 22 percent, the Democratic Party with 14 percent and the Liberal Reformist Party with one percent.  Former coalition partner and pro-European Liberal Party garnered eight percent support.  In addition, a total of 46 percent of Moldovans said they support Moldova’s membership in the European Union.  

“Moldovans clearly see their future in Europe, and this is reflected in their strong support of the Pro-European parties,” commented Ambassador Mark Green (ret.), IRI’s president.

Moldovans Concerned about Russia’s Actions in the Region

Recent Russian provocations in the region continue to concern Moldovans.  In a rebuke of Russia’s actions towards Moldova, 47 percent blame Russia for the blockade of Moldovan agricultural exports to Russia, with only 18 percent believing that the Moldovan government itself is responsible. 

Meanwhile, 55 percent of Moldovans view Russia’s acquisition of Crimea negatively.  The situation in Crimea has special relevance to Moldova, given its proximity and Moldova’s own breakaway region of Transnistria.  In regards to Transnistria, a majority of 60 percent believe that Transnistria should be an ordinary region of Moldova without any autonomy, and 46 percent of respondents consider the presence of Russian troops there to be a threat to security.

Moldovans’ Top Worry:  The Economy and Corruption

In the run-up to the November 30 parliamentary elections, the economy continues to top the list of concerns for Moldovan citizens.  When asked to name the most important three problems facing Moldova, 34 percent said unemployment, 32 percent cited corruption and a combined 52 percent mentioned low incomes, high prices, inflation and poverty.  Ninety-one percent of respondents describe corruption as either a very big or big issue in the country.  The high perception of corruption in the country has remained consistent ever since IRI began regular polling in Moldova.

Methodology 

The survey was conducted in all regions (excluding Transnistria) of Moldova from September 20 – October 20, 2014, with a randomly selected sample of 1,200 residents of Moldova age 18 and older and eligible to vote.  The margin of error does not exceed plus or minus 2.8 percent and the response rate was 62 percent. 

The survey was conducted by Baltic Surveys/The Gallup Organization, with field work carried out by Magenta Consulting.