Some 69% of the Moldovans consider the events inside the country follow an incorrect direction. 61% believe the reforms in the country are inefficient. For 30% of the population, the disposable incomes are not enough for bare essentials, while 35% manage to cope in the given situation, shows the Vox Populi survey “Social stratification in the Republic of Moldova after three decades of independence” - August 2020, IPN reports.

Only 2% of the population said they afford expensive things. 10% said they do not face shortages and afford particular things. 27% consider they are closer to the middle stratum, while 58% think they belong to the lower social strata. Specialists say the survey confirms once again that in the absence of a wealthy middle class, Moldovan society remains vulnerable and unstable.

The differentiation, social inequality, lack of social equity, pauperization of the population and loss of confidence in tomorrow, the high prices of food and public utilities, absolute poverty, low level of quality of life, unemployment, lack of a middle class that would ensure stability in society and inequitable pension system are the negative aspects mentioned by 36.9% of the respondents.

Also, 79% of those surveyed disapprove of the changes made in the justice sector, 68% – in the economy, 65% – in the pension system, 65% – in the banking system, 64% – in the Transnistrian conflict settlement.

32% of those polled mentioned among the positive aspects that marked them during the independence years the opening of borders, signing of the Association Agreement with the EU, introduction of the liberalized visa regime. The most positive changes were noticed in culture, in the activity of the local public authorities, in education and foreign policy.

Victor Mocanu, chairman of the Association of Sociologists of the Republic of Moldova, said the lack of jobs for the citizens to be able to maintain their families and ensure decent living, the poor state of roads and poor quality of water hamper the socioeconomic development of the country. “It is hard to say when the situation will improve as everything ultimately depends on social cohesion,” he stated.

Only 23% of those interviewed consider the elections in Moldova are free and fair, 30% disagree, while 42% believe they are partially free and fair. If direct presidential elections were held next Sunday, 43.3% of the decided respondents would vote for Igor Dodon, 26.9% for Maia Sandu, 7.2% for Renato Usatyi, 5.9% for the Shor Party’s candidate, 5.3% for Andrei Năstase, 4.1% for Pavel Filip, 3.7% for Vladimir Voronin, 1.5% for Octavian Țâcu, 1.9% for another politician.

The survey was carried out during August 5-20 and covered a sample of 1,191 respondents older than 18 from 83 localities of Moldova, except for the Transnistrian region.