Some 53.9% of the respondents of a survey into the citizens’ perception of the European integration of the Republic of Moldova, conducted by the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) , in cooperation with CBS-AXA, said that the European Union is the main development partner of the Republic of Moldova. The Russian Federation was mentioned by 21% of those surveyed, while the U.S. – by 20.9%.
In a news conference hosted by IPN, IPRE deputy director Mihai Mogîldea said that 54% of the respondents know about several or more projects financed by the European Union in the last five years at their place of residence, focused especially on the repair and reconstruction of roads, repair of schools and kindergartens and also street lighting. Among the main beneficiaries of EU assistance, the Government is mentioned by 58% of the respondents. At a great distance, farmers were mentioned by 19.7% of those polled, the towns and citizens - by 18.2% and 17.8%, respectively.
As for the trade relations, the EU member countries are regarded as the main partners of the Republic of Moldova, with 51.2% of the responses, followed by Ukraine – 26.6% and the Russian Federation – 25.6%. The citizens’ perception of the share of EU countries in the trade with the Republic of Moldova corresponds, in general terms, to the official statistical data. The main products exported to the EU market are of agricultural origin, while the industrial products have a lower share, according to the respondents.
According to Vasile Cantarji, CBS-AXA sociologist, the survey also showed that over 54% of the respondents believe that things follow the wrong direction, compared to about 36% who say that things follow a good direction. In recent years, the share of positive assessments has increased, even if the negative perceptions still prevail.
As for trust in political parties, at this stage there is no political party that would have a positive trust balance. Even so, the PAS has 33% positive assessments, the PSRM – 26%, the PCRM – 24%, “Victory” Bloc – 17%, and Our Party – 15%.
If elections for the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova were held next Sunday, 30% of the total respondents would vote for the PAS, over 14% - for the BECS, over 8% - for “Victory” Bloc, over 5% - for the Political Party Our Party. Of those who made up their mind, 41% would vote for the PAS, 22% - for the BECS, 13% - for “Victory” Bloc, while over 8% - for Our Party. If a presidential election was held next Sunday, the majority would vote for Maia Sandu, Igor Dodon, or Renato Usatyi.
Most of those interviewed indicated that they do not trust any politician. This option is followed by “Maia Sandu” as the person they trust the most. The list is continued by Igor Dodon, Ilan Shor and Renato Usatyi.
The survey covered a sample of 1,119 people aged 18 and older, with a margin of error of 2.9%. The data were collected between June 28 and July 18.
Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider that they were affected by the news articles produced based on the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.