• Ipsos global study "What Worries the World" and predictions for the new year - perceptions of Romanian consumers after a 2025 considered "stupid" by the majority.
After a year 2025 perceived extremely negatively both at national and personal level, Romanians look at 2026 with moderate optimism, but laden with major concerns related to the economy, social stability and demographic evolution. These conclusions emerge from the extensive Ipsos study conducted in 30 countries, between October 24 and November 7, 2025, on a total sample of 23.642 respondents (including 500 from Romania), aged between 16 and 74.
2025 – a "bad" year for almost 8 out of 10 Romanians
Globally, 66% of respondents considered 2025 to be a bad year for their country, a percentage that rises to 79% in Romania – the fourth highest level out of the 30 countries monitored (after France – 85%, Argentina and another country with a close score). Compared to the previous year, the negative perception increased in Romania by +6 percentage points.
On a personal level, 53% of Romanians considered that 2025 was a bad year for them and their family - a figure that places our country in the area with double negative perception (national and individual).
Cautious optimism for 2026
Despite the bleak retrospective, 70% of Romanians (almost identical to the global average of 71%) I think 2026 will be a better year than 2025This optimism is, however, more tempered than in some emerging countries and significantly lower than the pre-pandemic level.
Regarding the global economy, opinions are almost equally divided: 48% of Romanians (49% globally) anticipate a stronger global economy in 2026, as the trade war initiated by the Trump administration has already influenced sentiment in many countries.
Romanians' main fears for 2026
Romanians stand out with several significantly more pessimistic perceptions than the international average:
• Economic recession – 63% of Romanian respondents believe that the country will enter recession in 2026 (compared to only 48% global average);
• Population decline – 74% expect a demographic decline (one of the highest global values);
• Increased immigration – 71% anticipate a higher level of immigration;
• Major public protests – 67% believe there will be demonstrations or riots against the way the country is run (+22 percentage points compared to 2019);
• Disposable income – only 36% expect an increase in available money after paying bills and taxes (compared to 47% globally);
• Jobs and artificial intelligence – 66% believe that AI will destroy many jobs (slight increase from the previous wave).
On the other hand, Romanians are much less concerned about a major terrorist attack (only 13% think it is likely – among the lowest percentages in the study).
Climate change – broad acceptance, but changing priorities
78% of Romanians (77% globally) expect average global temperatures to increase, and 70% anticipate more extreme weather events. However, the percentage of those who believe in rising temperatures has fallen by 6 percentage points from the previous wave – possibly a signal that financial and current living concerns have taken precedence.
Personal resolutions and plans for 2026 – retreating into the comfort zone
In a context perceived as unstable, Romanians seem to choose solutions like "private refuge":
• 80% intends to do more movement;
• 81% they will grant more time for physical appearance (5th place in the world and well above the EU average);
• 91% they will spend more time with family and friends (together with Indonesia – highest score);
• 72% intends to pursue 2026 World Football Championship (6th place in the world, 79% among men).
In contrast, only 29% say they will reduce their use of social media – a significantly lower percentage than in many other countries.
"2025 has been a difficult year for Romanians, both nationally and personally. Although they are optimistic that the year that has begun will be better, Romanians are worried about a possible recession and a decrease in the country's population. They do not expect an increase in disposable income, they believe that immigration will increase and they believe that there will be public protests against the way the country is run.
In a volatile context, our compatriots are retreating into their comfort zone – they say they plan to spend more time with family and friends, or that they will watch the matches of the World Cup. Among the resolutions for 2026 are more exercise and more time devoted to personal appearance., stated Dorian Cazacu, Senior Client Director Ipsos Romania.
The Ipsos study thus confirms an interesting combination of cautious hope and pessimistic realism – a state of mind that will likely influence consumer behavior, political decisions, and social dynamics throughout 2026.
Article source: Predictions for 2026. What Romanians expect from the year that has begun.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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