Trust in government needs to improve, OECD study shows 

In this polarised age, it is not surprising that as many people trust their governments as don’t. This is according to the OECD’s first Trust in Government report, which is based on a survey of over 50,000 people across 22 countries carried out at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022.

Noting that trust is needed to help governments tackle short and long-term societal challenges, including climate change, the OECD is exploring ways democratic governments can strengthen trust from the public.

Overall 4 out of 10 people trust their government and the same number distrust them. Quite a significant percentage don’t know if they trust their government or not (15%). 

Clearly there is a need to improve. Governments must commit to inclusive government

While stressing that country comparisons are difficult, because of different culture, society and government structures, it is nonetheless interesting to look across the results. Norwegians and Finns are most trusting of their governments with over 60% giving positive feedback.

In comparison, Danes and Swedes are over 10% and 20% less trusting respectively. Overall, the least trusting are Colombians at around 20%. There is no data for the US; several European countries range between 40-50% for trust.

People want more action on climate

A question on climate action indicates that people feel governments should do more to respond to their concerns, the OECD says. Overall, half of respondents said their governments should do more to reduce their contributions to climate change, but only a third felt they would deliver. Ireland showed the biggest gap between those wanting to see action, at nearly 70%, and those who thought the government would succeed at 20%.