Only one third of global citizens evaluate their governments favorably. But the differences between global regions and within some of these regions are quite significant
The old democratic world (EU) is largely unsatisfied with its governments - only one out of four are satisfied. The leader of this old democratic world (USA) is even more dissatisfied - only one out of five. People in India and East Asia are for the most part those most satisfied with their governments. Those surveyed in the Philippines, Vietnam and India are leading in satisfaction with their governments - over 70% satisfaction compared with less than 10% of adults across Latvia, Japan and Croatia.
In general the Voice of the People Government Index shows that the gap between politicians and their citizens is bigger in more developed and democratic countries. Such massive discontent creates conditions for populist movements and far right/left waves.
The high levels of discontent in USA and Europe poses a real threat to the democratic model of governance and to it’s image across the world. Authoritarian governments tend to garner more satisfaction because they create an illusion of stronger national identity.
Key Findings
Kancho Stoychev, President GIA said:
“It’s a paradox: the more rich and democratic the country is the more dissatisfied from their governments the people are. That means that there is a major default in these societies most probably related to their elites and especially to the mass perception of them. It’s not only their bad image - it’s their distance from real life”.
Johnny Heald, Vice President GIA):
“While the trappings of capitalism may seem attractive to many living outside Europe and North America, their citizens are also some of the most discontent with their Government. These governments have a lot to learn from those in Asia where significantly higher numbers feel they are efficient, respect the will of the people more and are taking their countries in the right direction”.
Methodology
The Gallup International End of Year Survey (EoY) is an annual tradition initiated by and designed under the chairmanship of Dr. George Gallup in 1977. It is conducted every year since then. This year it was carried out by the Gallup International Association in partnership with WIN in 55 countries around the world.
Sample Size and Mode of Field Work
A total of 54569 persons were interviewed globally. In each country a representative sample of around 1000 men and women was interviewed either face to face (23 countries; n=24235), via telephone (13 countries; n=12456) or online (19 countries; n=17878). The field work was conducted during October 2017 – December 2017. The margin of error for the survey is between +3-5% at 95% confidence level.
Note: Considering some socio-political or cultural factors several countries skipped some EoY Survey questions.