January 26, 2026
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 26.01.2026, 13:55
Polls on the country’s direction and on unification with the Republic of Moldova
Over three‑quarters of Romanians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, while only 19% say it is on the right track, according to a nationwide opinion poll conducted this month by CURS. The findings outline the image of a society marked by economic pessimism, distrust in political institutions and the absence of leaders perceived as capable of providing direction and stability, sociologists say. Public expectations for this year are predominantly negative. 63% of respondents believe their economic situation and standard of living will worsen, while 29% expect stagnation. 90% also anticipate rising prices.
As for institutions, the army, the church and the fire service enjoy the best public image, while at the opposite end are Parliament, the judiciary, the government, the Constitutional Court and the Presidency. Trust in political leaders is also low. All those included in the survey registered distrust levels of at least 60%.
If a parliamentary election was held next Sunday, AUR (the nationalist opposition) would obtain 35% of the vote, followed by PSD with 23%, PNL with 18%, and USR with 10% (all three currently part of the pro‑Western ruling coalition). UDMR (also in power) and SOS Romania (the populist opposition) are each credited with 5%, the minimum threshold required for entering Parliament.
On the other hand, 56% of Romanians would vote in favour of the unification with neighbouring Moldova in the event of a referendum on the issue, according to another nationwide poll conducted this month. At the same time, 37% say they would not support such a move, while 7% have no clear opinion. Sociologists say the data indicate the existence of a majority in favour of unification, but also a significant level of opposition, suggesting a strong polarization of the public sphere.
Ilie Bolojan to visit Germany
Romania’s Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan will travel to Germany this week for an official visit, responding to an invitation extended by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Talks will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the economic area and the defense industry.
According to a statement from the deputy spokesperson of the federal government in Berlin, the agenda also includes European policy issues, developments in Ukraine and Euro‑Atlantic security.
Public administration reform to be assumed in Parliament
The government’s intention to take responsibility in Parliament on 29 January for the public administration reform bill remains unchanged, Government spokesperson Ioana Dogioiu said.
Liberal Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stressed that the measures targeting the administration will increase the own‑source revenues of local authorities and cut personnel expenses in town halls with an excessively large number of employees.
On the other hand, the Social Democrats, part of the ruling coalition, have demanded that, alongside the administrative reform, the government also take responsibility for measures to re-launch the economy.
Romania, guest of honor at the Cairo International Book Fair
Romania is guest of honor at the 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair, marking 120 years of diplomatic relations with the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Romania’s presence is built around a programme highlighting contemporary literature, cultural dialogue, translation, academic research, cultural diplomacy, heritage and education, bringing together authors, researchers, translators, publishers, artists and cultural professionals from Romania and Egypt, as well as diplomats, former diplomats and Romanian academia.
Romania’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair includes 30 distinct cultural events held over 13 days, 60 special guests (authors, publishers, translators, artists, academia, etc.), including 15 artists, 10 titles newly translated into Arabic and 10 participating Romanian publishing houses. The Fair’s featured personality this year is writer Naguib Mahfouz, the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Gloria Bistrița and CSM Bucharest in the EHF Champions League
The women’s handball club CS Gloria Bistrița lost to Hungarian side Győri Audi ETO KC, the title‑holders, 27–22, on Sunday evening at home, in Group A of Champions League. For Gloria, it was the third consecutive defeat, all in 2026. The Romanian team, currently ranking 4th in the eight‑team group, will play its next match on February 7, away from home, against Metz Handball of France.
On Saturday, in Group B, Romanian champions CSM Bucharest defeated Croatian team RK Podravka Koprivnica away from home, 33–28. CSM secured its fifth consecutive group‑stage win and also ranks 4th in the group tables. CSM will play its next match at home against group leaders Brest Bretagne Handball of France on February 8. The top two teams qualify directly to the quarter‑finals, while the next four advance to the play‑offs. (VP)
