Romanians were more patriotic during communism, poll reveals

Around 70 per cent of the respondents believe that Romanians were more patriotic during communism than now, reads a survey conducted by the Infopolitic Study and Research Centre (CSCI) in February and revealed on Wednesday. This idea is mostly shared by persons over 45 years, living in the rural area and by Romanian ethnics.

Three quarters of the respondents, particularly men and pensioners, link environment protection to patriotism. Over 70 per cent agree with sanctioning the “unpatriotic manifestations” offending the country, mostly elderly persons, with a lower education level and the inhabitants in the rural area, more left-wing voters. It is something slightly more acceptable for graduates of a higher education institution and youth.

According to the same research, Romanians strongly disagree with the project of Magyars’ autonomy (72 per cent). Regarding the statues of some Hungarians who fought against Romania, half of the respondents believe they should be moved and half think the statues should be left where they are.

At the same time, 40 per cent of Romanians believe a military conflict with Russia is imminent, 25 per cent say it is possible and another 25 per cent don’t believe it will happen, with men being more convinced than women that there will be a conflict. Almost three quarters of the respondents count on the USA’s support.