MKOR Study: Two Romanians at the polls/ When the ballot box becomes a mirror of a divided society

The presidential elections of May 2025 were closed, a president was elected but Romania remained divided in two camps. Beyond the results of the vote, the data gathered in those tense days bear witness to a deeply divided Romania, a country in which two social, economic and value realities seem to coexist, but without understanding each other. The MKOR study was made in three successive waves between 8 and 14 May on a national sample of 3357 of Romanians to understand why people vote as they do.   Beyond the raw figures of voting intentions, the survey revealed the contours of two distinct Romania, separated not only by political preferences, but also by socio-economic realities, education levels and aspirations.   The vote of 18th May was not only a choice between two candidates but a reflection of a society in search of Romania’s road where every day in the campaign and every public action of each of the candidates tipped the balance. The election was literally up to the last minute.   The two Romanias not only voted differently; they seem to seek fundamentally different things from a leader and from the act of governing:   On the one hand, a visceral need for change, to regain national dignity and social justice, even at the risk of instability.   On the other hand, a desire for normality, administrative competence and firm anchoring in European values, even with the acceptance of a compromise.   What do Romanians want from their president?   At national level, when they are asked to choose the most important three qualities for a president, the Romanians seem to look for a balance between human connection, intellectual training and attachment to national values:   People-friendly (40.8%) – shows a need for accessible leaders who understand daily worries.   Educated (39.3%) – competence and solid training are essential for the large majority of the electorate Patriot (30.4%) – love for the country defence of national interests remain a fundamental criterion   There follow in the top ‘integrity’ (27.6%), ‘decisive’ (24.7%) and rational (22.2%), completing the picture of a complex and nuanced ideal leader   What the ideal Romanian President looks like   But when we decrypt these preferences through the prism of voting for Nicu?or Dan or George Simion, the picture breaks into two distinct portraits:   Nicusor Dan’s supporters prioritise : „ Educated" - the dominant trait, mentioned by 65% of them "Integrity" (44%) 'Rational' (40%) - reflecting a search for ethical competence and lucidity. Qualities such as "People-friendly" or "Patriot" are important, but secondary to expertise and morality. For this segment, legitimacy comes from knowledge and fairness.   George Simion’s  supporters value:   - "Close to people" (49.2%) and - "Patriot" (47.7%) - indicating a need for emotional connection and identity reaffirmation - "Determined" (34.9%) - a desire for a leader who acts decisively   Qualities such as ‘educated’ (only 18.8%) or ‘integrity’ (12.%) drop significantly in the hierarchy, while ‘traditionalist’ (22.1%) becomes relevant.   For these voters, legitimacy comes from perceived authenticity and resonance with popular values.   What Romanians do not tolerate in a President   Equally revealing are the traits Romanians categorically reject.   The "puppet" label (controlled by interest groups) is detested by almost half of the electorate (48%), a universal red flag.   Likewise, "Arrogance" (39%) and lack of education (34.3%) are strongly penalised among the voting population.   Again, the accents differ ;   It is obvious that the two Romanias not only vote differently but they build expectations fundamentally opposed from the one who should represent them. The split is not just one of opinion, but one of vision on leadership and the role of the president in society.