Why the trend is emerging: Persistent economic pressure turns anxiety into a long-term condition rather than a temporary reaction Romanians enter 2026 with anxiety shaped less by sudden shocks and more by ongoing economic strain , where inflation and rising living costs dominate everyday thinking. As trust in the state’s ability to correct these pressures remains low, concern becomes normalized , and people adapt by focusing on endurance rather than expectation. pasted Struct

Why the trend is emerging: Cost-of-living pressure and political instability reorganize youth priorities around survival, meaning, and adaptive optimism Young Romanians are increasingly anxious because everyday economic survival has become uncertain , while political instability and corruption undermine confidence in long-term institutional support. As structural pressures intensify, younger generations respond by prioritizing financial resilience, meaningful work, and select