Large shares give politicians low marks on honesty and understanding the needs of ordinary people
By Richard Wike,Janell Fetterolf,Jonathan SchulmanandSofia Hernandez Ramones
People in regions across the globe are unhappy with their political systems and elected officials, according to a Pew Research Center survey in 25 countries. Majorities in 20 of the 25 countries say their political system needs either major changes or complete reform, with roughly eight-in-ten adults or more holding this view in Argentina, Brazil, Greece, Kenya, Nigeria, South Korea and the United States.
However, many of those who want significant political change in their country are not confident it can happen.
The discontent is, at least in part, tied to frustration with political leaders. Median shares of roughly four-in-ten or more across the 25 countries say that few or none of their elected officials are honest, ethical, well-qualified, understanding of ordinary people’s needs or focused on the country’s most important problems.
Attitudes toward political change
In 12 countries, roughly four-in-ten adults or more express a strong desire for change, alongside skepticism that their political system can change.
For example, 68% of Greeks want complete reform or major changes to their political system but are not confident effective change is possible, while 15% want significant change and do think this is possible. Just 17% say their political system needs minor changes or no change at all.
People who want change but lack confidence that it is possible are often relatively negative about the state of their country and its elected officials. They are particularly unlikely to associate positive traits with elected officials, to feel satisfied with the way their democracy is working or to describe their nation’s economic situation as good.
This group is also especially likely to have negative views of both the main governing party and the leading opposition party in their country. For more on views of parties, read “How people in 24 countries feel about their political parties.”
In contrast, there are seven nations where about four-in-ten adults or more believe their political system needs only minor changes or no change at all. Roughly seven-in-ten hold this view in the Netherlands and Sweden.
