IRI Moldova Poll indicates Greater Optimism in Country’s Direction, Economic Concerns and Continued Negative Views of Russia

Chisinau, Moldova – A nationwide poll in Moldova by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) shows an increase among those who feel the country is going in the right direction, continued negative attitudes toward Russia and widespread concerns over the economy. 

A plurality of respondents, 49% indicate that Moldova is heading in the right direction, the highest number recorded in IRI’s over 20 years of conducting polling there.

“The data indicates that the public is supportive of the government’s reform agenda and its efforts to expedite EU accession for Moldova,” said Stephen Nix, Senior Director for Europe and Eurasia at IRI. 

When asked about Moldova’s relationship with Russia, 74% say that relations are bad or very bad. This represents a 26-point increase from IRI’s October 2021 poll—the last poll IRI conducted in Moldova before the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war continues to increase negative sentiment toward Russia,” stated Nix.

Additionally, the survey found concerns about the state of the economy. When asked about the most important problem facing the country, a total of 63% cite the cost of living, low income, and other financial matters.

“As the Sandu government continues efforts to improve the economy it is clear that this issue is a priority for the Moldovan people” stated Nix. 

Methodology    Fieldwork for the survey was conducted by Magenta Consulting on behalf of the Center for Insights in Survey Research. Data was collected throughout Moldova (with the exception of Transnistria) between May 3 and 18, 2025, through face-to-face interviews in respondents’ homes.  The sample consisted of 1,206 permanent residents of Moldova aged 18 and older and eligible to vote.  The sample was weighted for gender, region, and urbanicity according to the Moldova Statistical Databank from 2024.  The margin of error  sample does not exceed plus or minus 2.8 percentage points. The response rate was 41 percent.