Romania enters 2026 balancing fragile hope against deep-seated structural uncertainty, with nearly 39% of the population adopting a neutral stance toward the year ahead, a new report by Reveal Marketing Research highlights.

While 34% of Romanians maintain an optimistic outlook, driven largely by the 25-34 age demographic (41%), a significant portion of the population remains braced for continued instability.

Labor market volatility on the rise

The most critical signal for investors and employers is the increasing fluidity of the Romanian workforce. Intentions to leave current roles have surged, with 33% of respondents planning a career change in 2026, a 6% year-on-year increase.

The breakdown of this potential exodus indicates a shift toward both competition and entrepreneurship: 21% intend to switch employers, and 12% plan to exit employment to launch their own businesses.

The trust deficit: Corruption and inflation

Consumer sentiment is sharply divided between the personal and the political. While 35% expect their personal finances to improve, skepticism regarding macroeconomic indicators is rampant.

Pessimism is highest regarding systemic issues: 55% do not expect corruption to decrease, 52% see no relief from inflation, and 49% are pessimistic about the country’s overall economic trajectory.

Financial dissatisfaction drives trends

The study underscores that social connections act as a buffer against economic stress, with high satisfaction rates reported for family relationships (74%). Conversely, financial wellbeing remains the primary source of discontent.

Only 40% of Romanians are satisfied with their current financial situation, with the figure dropping to 34% among the over-55 demographic, indicating significant pressure on fixed-income households.

In terms of lifestyle shifts, resolutions for 2026 reflect a desire for well-being over material gain. Priorities include more family time (30%) and healthy living (29%). Notably, the drive for upskilling is gaining traction, with 16% of respondents aiming to develop new skills, up from 12% last year.