Daniel Baluta (PSD) leads voter preferences in Bucharest for the mayoralty with 27%, followed by Ciprian Ciucu (PNL) and Catalin Drula (USR), both at 22%, according to an opinion poll conducted by the Centre for Urban and Regional Sociology (CURS) between 3-14 November.
The survey shows independent candidate Anca Alexandrescu, supported by AUR, in fourth place with 15% of votes, while other new or independent candidates score between 2% and 5%.
"Among these is George Burcea, a recently entered candidate, already registering 2%. His presence, though modest, indicates an initial stage of electoral visibility for a candidacy still at the start of public exposure," noted CURS representatives.
Overall, voter intention indicates a balanced race among the leading candidates, with no differences insurmountable in the course of an electoral campaign.
Regarding rejection rates, Anca Alexandrescu has the highest, cited by 28% of respondents.
"She is followed by Virgil Zidaru, known as Makaveli, at 20%, and Catalin Drula at 17%. Candidates from traditional parties show lower rejection levels. This measure highlights each candidate's acceptability among the electorate and outlines their potential in a single-round election," CURS added.
Declared preferences for the General Council show a tight contest among the top four political formations. PSD leads at 22%, closely followed by USR at 21% and PNL at 19%. AUR achieves 18%, with the remaining parties ranging between 2% and 5%.
This configuration suggests a balanced political landscape, with no party clearly ahead, the survey notes.
CURS data indicate a high degree of certainty regarding voter turnout. Over half of respondents - 57% - say they will definitely vote, giving the maximum certainty rating, and another 9% consider themselves very likely to participate. Only 3% state they will not vote. These figures point to strong electoral interest and potential high mobilisation among Bucharest's population.
Regarding the city's general direction, most Bucharest residents believe things are heading in the wrong direction.
"More than half of respondents - 55% - express this view, while 41% feel the city is moving in a good direction. Only 4% had no opinion. The results indicate a public climate dominated by critical perceptions, alongside a significant segment of the population recognising positive developments," the survey states.
As for identified issues in the city, road traffic ranks first, cited by 20% of respondents.
"This is followed by the functioning of state hospitals at 19%, the heating network at 18%, local administration corruption at 13%, and air pollution at 7%," the survey adds.
Concerning the desired direction for local administration, 56% of respondents prefer change, while 39% favour continuing the current direction.
The survey also evaluated the performance of former mayors.
Among former general mayors, Traian Basescu is considered the most effective by 27% of respondents, followed by Gabriela Firea with 25% and Nicusor Dan with 21%.
The CURS survey was conducted on a representative sample of 1,100 adults aged 18 and over, residing in Bucharest.
The sample was probability-based, multistage, and stratified to ensure representativeness across key socio-demographic criteria.
The maximum margin of error is 3%, at a 95% confidence level. Data were collected face-to-face at respondents' homes between 3-14 November, with results weighted according to the age structure of Bucharest's population based on INS data.
Comentează