Four years after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, public opinion in Romania seems more sensitive to security issues.
A survey conducted by INSCOP Research, commissioned by the New Strategy Center, shows that two-thirds of Romanians would agree to reintroducing mandatory military service, and support for increasing the Defense budget and shooting down Russian drones is also substantial.
Two-thirds would support mandatory military service
According to the survey, 67.1% of Romanians say they would agree with the introduction of mandatory military service. The percentage is significantly higher than in May 2015 when 58.4% supported this idea.
30.5% are against it, while 2.4% do not know or do not respond.
Support is higher among AUR voters, people over 60, those with primary education, and rural residents.
Opposition is stronger among PSD, PNL, and USR voters, men, individuals between 18 and 44 years old, those with higher education, residents of Bucharest and major cities, as well as private sector employees.
High school students and shooting exercises: divided society
The idea of organizing shooting exercises in high school classes almost perfectly divides society.
48.1% of respondents agree with this measure, while 48.8% are against it. Nearly 3% do not know, and 0.3% do not respond.
AUR voters, men, individuals over 45, and those from rural areas are more favorable. On the other hand, USR voters, women, young people between 18 and 44, individuals with higher education, and residents of major cities more frequently oppose such an initiative.
Massive support for drone and first aid courses
However, there is a much clearer consensus on other training measures.
80.8% of Romanians support the introduction of courses for drone operators in high schools and technical universities. Only 16.2% are against it. The initiative is supported especially by PNL and USR voters, individuals with higher education, and public sector employees.
Even greater is the support for first aid courses for individuals aged 15 to 60: 92.7% of respondents agree with this measure. Only 4.6% oppose it.
What would Romanians do in case of an attack?
Asked what they would do in the event of a war where Romania is attacked, 48% say they would fight to defend their country. The percentage is slightly lower than in November 2023 (50.5%).
19.7% would emigrate, 10.5% would hide until the end of the conflict, 4.7% would try to obtain a medical certificate to be declared unfit, and 7% would do something else. 10% did not respond.
Most believe Romania is not prepared for a Russian attack
The perception of Romania's level of preparedness is predominantly negative.
Only 3.6% believe the country is "very well prepared" to face a Russian attack, while 9.9% say "quite well prepared."
On the other hand, 31.7% believe Romania is "somewhat poorly prepared," while 51.4% say "very poorly prepared or not at all."
Support for increasing the Defense budget and shooting down drones
74.4% of Romanians agree that Romania should increase its defense budget to address threats and fulfill its obligations as a NATO member state. 21.2% are against it.
Regarding Russian drones flying over Romanian territory, 72.9% believe they should be shot down. Nearly 20% hold the opposite view.
Television remains the main source of information
In terms of information, television continues to dominate. 44.7% of Romanians say TV stations are their main constant source of news.
25% mention social networks, 17.8% news websites, and 5.9% radio. Discussions with friends and WhatsApp are mentioned in much smaller percentages.
The research was conducted between January 28 and February 6, with a sample of 1,100 people, through telephone interviews (CATI). The margin of error is ±3%, at a confidence level of 95%.