Church and mass-media are still most trusted institutions in Moldova

President Vladimir Voronin enjoys the highest degree of popularity among the citizens of Moldova, as shown by the results of the Socio-Political Quarterly Study, conducted by the Centre of Sociological and Marketing Investigations “CBS AXA”. 15.9% of the respondents showed support for the president. Second place was taken by the mayor of the capital Dorin Chirtoaca (5.6%), followed by Speaker Marian Lupu (3.3%) and Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev (2.7%). If we had parliamentary elections in the forthcoming week, a quarter of the electors would not know whom to support. More than a half (52.2%) of those decided showed support for PCRM. Other parties which would win a sufficient percentage to take seats in the parliament would be the parties and coalitions represented in the current legislative body by: AMN (10.7%), PDM (8.8%), PPCD (6.9%), PSL (5.6%) and PL (4.5%). The citizen’s opinion shows their disbelief regarding their ability to influence important decisions, taken at local, as well as central level; 62.2% of those questioned share the opinion that they can very little or have no power whatsoever to influence decisions at local level, while the percentage goes up to 70.9% for central level influence. Four in 10 citizens believe that the current direction of actions in Moldova is taking a wrong course. Most concerned are the citizens in rural areas - 45%. Only 16% of the citizens proved content about the economic situation in the country, compared to last year, it has not changed considerably (28%) or that it worsened (36%). Moreover, four out of 10 citizens are not expecting any changes in the economic situations of the country. These are approximately the numbers which are expecting any improvement (27%) or worsening (27%). Although the majority of participants (78%) stated that their life has not changed or worsened compared to last year, more than a third of the population shows a degree of optimism and a better living level next year. In order to ensure the unity of the country, the citizens of Moldova would accept representatives from both sides of the Nistru River, proportional with population numbers, but would find it difficult to give up the territory on the left side of the Nistru River, if required in order to join the EU. The church and mass-media are still the most trusted institutions in the country. The most decreased levels of trust are shown towards political parties and judicial system. The survey was conducted from August 25 to September 3, on a sample of 1094 persons representing the adult population of the republic.