Deep dissatisfaction with democracy has been found in eight out of nine Western countries, according to a recent survey by Ipsos, which polled nearly 10,000 people across Croatia, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the US. The survey revealed that majorities in all but one country fear for the future of democracy, with fake news, lack of accountability, extremism, and corruption being seen as the biggest threats.
Satisfaction with how democracy is working in practice is below 50% in all countries except Sweden, where a majority are satisfied. In fact, concern about democracy is growing fast in some countries, particularly the Netherlands and France. The Ipsos State of Democracy survey found that there's a strong desire for "radical change" in almost all countries.
The results show that opinions on democracy vary widely across the nine countries surveyed. While Sweden is the only country where a majority are satisfied with how democracy is working, other countries have significant dissatisfaction rates, such as Croatia (18%), France (19%), and the US (20%). In contrast, Poland has one of the highest satisfaction rates at 40%.
Interestingly, in six countries - including the US, Spain, and Italy - fewer than a third of respondents feel satisfied with how democracy is working. Meanwhile, more people believe that democracy has gotten worse rather than better over the past five years.
The survey also found that large majorities in all countries bar Sweden are worried about the state of democracy in five years' time. Fake news, disinformation, and corruption are seen as the biggest threats to democracy by respondents across most countries.
Despite these concerns, there is strong support for democracy across most countries, with clear majorities saying it's crucial to society and worth defending. However, many respondents believe that the current system is rigged in favor of the rich and powerful rather than working for everyone.
To strengthen democracy, respondents identified mainly stronger anti-corruption laws and enforcement, better civic education, and protecting the independence of the courts as potential solutions. The survey highlights a desire for radical change, but also a preference for political leaders who can build consensus.
The Ipsos State of Democracy survey provides a sobering assessment of public perceptions on democracy in Western countries, highlighting the need for reform and renewed commitment to democratic values.
Satisfaction with how democracy is working in practice is below 50% in all countries except Sweden, where a majority are satisfied. In fact, concern about democracy is growing fast in some countries, particularly the Netherlands and France. The Ipsos State of Democracy survey found that there's a strong desire for "radical change" in almost all countries.
The results show that opinions on democracy vary widely across the nine countries surveyed. While Sweden is the only country where a majority are satisfied with how democracy is working, other countries have significant dissatisfaction rates, such as Croatia (18%), France (19%), and the US (20%). In contrast, Poland has one of the highest satisfaction rates at 40%.
Interestingly, in six countries - including the US, Spain, and Italy - fewer than a third of respondents feel satisfied with how democracy is working. Meanwhile, more people believe that democracy has gotten worse rather than better over the past five years.
The survey also found that large majorities in all countries bar Sweden are worried about the state of democracy in five years' time. Fake news, disinformation, and corruption are seen as the biggest threats to democracy by respondents across most countries.
Despite these concerns, there is strong support for democracy across most countries, with clear majorities saying it's crucial to society and worth defending. However, many respondents believe that the current system is rigged in favor of the rich and powerful rather than working for everyone.
To strengthen democracy, respondents identified mainly stronger anti-corruption laws and enforcement, better civic education, and protecting the independence of the courts as potential solutions. The survey highlights a desire for radical change, but also a preference for political leaders who can build consensus.
The Ipsos State of Democracy survey provides a sobering assessment of public perceptions on democracy in Western countries, highlighting the need for reform and renewed commitment to democratic values.
I'm not surprised to hear that people are getting so fed up with the system... like, we've been warning each other about fake news and corruption for ages, but it seems like nobody's doing enough to stop it 
. And it's crazy how even in Sweden, which is usually seen as this super idealistic country, people are still worried about democracy 
.
. But at the same time, I'm all for having leaders who can work together with everyone and make decisions that benefit the many, not just the few 
. We need to find that balance between progress and fairness.
. But what can we do about it? I don't have all the answers 
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. It seems like people are losing trust in it fast, and that's super concerning. I mean, fake news, corruption, and extremism are major threats, but the fact that only Sweden has a majority who think democracy is working well? That's just sad 
. We need to do something about these problems, like stronger anti-corruption laws and better civic education 
. It's not all doom and gloom though - people still believe in democracy and want it to work for everyone 
. We just need to find ways to make it more inclusive and fair for all, not just the rich and powerful 
You guys, I just saw this survey from Ipsos about how people feel about democracy in 9 Western countries... it's wild 
. Like, 80% of people in France are worried about the future of democracy? 
That's crazy. And it's not just one country, it's all of them except Sweden (but even they have some concerns 
). The biggest threats to democracy? Fake news and corruption. Yikes.
.
. So, let's get to it! We need more transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. And maybe a few radical changes to the system 
I mean, it's crazy that almost 9 out of 10 people in Western countries are dissatisfied with how things are going 
. Fake news, lack of accountability, extremism, and corruption are the biggest threats to our democracy... yikes! 
satisfaction rates are below 50% everywhere except sweden where ppl are like yay 
but other countries like croatia, france and us are struggling with fake news, corruption and extremism 
and the desire for radical change is real but people also want leaders who can build consensus 
. maybe the problem isn't democcy itself but how it's being run by these politicians who are more interested in their own power than serving the ppl 
. we need reform, but not a total overhaul... just some common sense, you know? 
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And yeah, fake news and corruption are huge problems... it's no wonder people are losing trust in institutions 
.