Increased Public Support for Expanded Expenditure in Health and Education Sectors by Romanian Citizens, According to Study Results
In the ever-evolving landscape of the global economy, the concerns and priorities of the Romanian population have been under scrutiny. A comprehensive survey conducted by Ipsos for ING Group between May and June 2025 sheds light on the main issues that Romanians are currently facing and the areas they believe require greater government investment.
Economic Concerns and Inflation
The survey revealed that 58 percent of Romanians are concerned about the country's economic situation, with inflation being a central worry for about 20 percent of respondents. This marks inflation as a significant but not overwhelming concern among the population.
Labor Market Anxieties
There is increased anxiety about the labor market, with 47 percent of Romanians expressing more concerns regarding employment and job security. Additionally, half (50 percent) believe their personal financial situation is becoming more important against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions that have shifted priorities and perceptions about the labor market.
Consumer Trends and Economic Nationalism
Romanians show a marked preference for local and European products. Specifically, 52 percent favor Romanian-made goods even if they cost more, and 42 percent prefer products originating from the European Union over non-EU imports. This reflects a growing consumer trend of economic nationalism and regional preference connected to economic uncertainty.
Investment Priorities
Regarding development priorities, there is strong public support for the government to increase investment in health (79 percent), education and research (75 percent), and infrastructure (69 percent). These areas are viewed as critical for Romania's long-term economic growth and resilience.
Artificial Intelligence and the Workforce
While the survey did not directly link AI or technological advancements to the concerns or priorities of Romanians, it did reveal that approximately half of Romanians (45%) expect AI to change their professional activity to some extent in the next 5 years. However, more than a third of Romanians (37%) fear that AI will lead to more jobs lost than created.
Public Opinion on Defense Spending
The survey also explored public opinion on defense spending, revealing that 48 percent support increasing defense spending, and 47 percent support increasing spending on housing and renovation subsidies. Interestingly, only 9 percent of Romanians support undertaking additional public debt to obtain funds for defense expenditures, and only 14 percent support increasing taxes for the same purpose.
Ethical Investments in Military Companies
A similar percentage of Romanians (52%) consider investments in military companies ethical in the current uncertain geopolitical context. Moreover, 52 percent consider such investments sustainable.
The international survey was conducted in seven countries, including Romania, by Ipsos for ING between May and June 2025. The Romanian research was conducted on a sample of 1,000 respondents. This article provides an overview of the key findings from the survey, offering insights into the main concerns and priorities of Romanians in the current economic climate.
Science, health-and-wellness, and education-and-self-development are cited as critical areas for government investment in the survey, with 79 percent of Romanians wanting increased investment in health, 75 percent in education and research, and 69 percent in infrastructure. (Investment Priorities)
In the realm of education and self-development, over half of Romanians (45%) expect artificial intelligence to impact their professional lives within the next 5 years, yet more than a third (37%) fear AI will lead to more jobs being lost than created. (Artificial Intelligence and the Workforce)
