CMIRS Survey: 90.4% Of Participants Say Country Is Heading In The Wrong Direction

The study, which is part of CMIRS’s quarterly research programme, measured perceptions of political trust, social trust, individual self-confidence, and happiness, examining how these indicators change over time and are influenced by current developments. The results will be published in three parts.

Majority Say Country Is Heading In The Wrong Direction

The survey shows that 90.4% of respondents believe the country is moving in the wrong direction. This reflects a long-term trend of negative public perception that has remained high since 2017, peaking at 97.42% in 2022 and remaining above 90% in 2026 despite fluctuations in earlier years.

Main Problems Identified: Economy Tops The List

Participants ranked the country’s most important problems as follows:

1. Economic problems
2. Cyprus issue
3. Corruption
4. Incompetent political leadership
5. Healthcare system
6. Rising prices and inflation
7. Infrastructure problems, especially electricity

Economic issues continue to rank first, while concerns about corruption and political leadership have risen. The Cyprus issue remains in second place.

Economic Expectations Remain Pessimistic

The survey highlights strong pessimism about both personal and national economic outlooks.

63.33% of respondents expect their personal financial situation to worsen within two years, while 28.66% expect no change and only 8.01% expect improvement.

For the national economy, 69.94% expect deterioration, 25.45% expect stability, and only 4.61% anticipate improvement.

Economic Concerns High Across Society

The findings show widespread financial anxiety:

• 53.60% are worried about covering food expenses
• 68.80% fear losing their standard of living
• 72.80% worry about paying instalments
• 74.2% are concerned about covering healthcare costs

Happiness Level At 5.95 Out Of 10

The overall happiness score was measured at 5.95 out of 10. It had fallen to 4.37 in 2022 but has shown a gradual recovery since then.

Social Trust At Low Level

Social trust was measured at 3.49 out of 10, remaining at historically low levels and raising concerns about democratic and societal cohesion.

Country’s Livability Score At 6.02

The livability score stood at 6.02 out of 10 in March 2026. It had previously dropped to 3.75 in 2022 before showing a gradual improvement in subsequent periods.