Moldova public opinion shows rising war fears and low social media trust

According to the September 2026 Public Opinion Barometer (BOP), Moldovan citizens are increasingly turning to the internet and social media for news, despite maintaining low levels of trust in these platforms. Approximately 59.1% of respondents use news websites, while 55.3% rely on social media. Among youth aged 18–29, these figures rise to 67.1% and 68.9%, respectively. However, trust remains low, with nearly 70% of respondents expressing little to no confidence in information found on social media. Furthermore, roughly 66% of participants report frequently encountering contradictory or false information.

The survey also highlights significant shifts in public concerns over the last three decades. While poverty and unemployment were the primary worries in the 1990s and 2000s, rising prices have become the top concern for 49.3% of respondents in September 2026.

Notably, fear of war in the region has reached a record high of 43.8%, the highest level recorded in the series. Other significant concerns include the future of children (41.4%), corruption (34%), and poverty (29.9%).