People around the world are calling for major political reform — but many don’t believe it will actually happen, according to a sweeping new Pew Research Center survey.
The poll, conducted in 25 countries between January and April, found widespread dissatisfaction with political systems and elected officials. In most countries surveyed, majorities said their system needs either major changes or complete reform. But even among those who want big changes, confidence in the ability to achieve them is often low.
Huge demand for change — with little hope
In countries like Argentina, Brazil, Greece, Kenya, Nigeria, South Korea, and the U.S., about 8 in 10 adults or more said their political system needs serious reform. But large numbers also expressed doubt that effective change is possible.
Greece stood out: 68% of Greeks said they want major changes but don’t think reform can happen. Only 15% felt both change was needed and possible.
That skeptical group — those who want change but don’t believe in it — tends to have deeply negative views about their country’s direction, political leaders, and economy. Many also say they dislike both the ruling party and the main opposition.
Elected officials get low marks
The frustration extends beyond systems to the people in charge.
Across the 25 countries, nearly half of adults said few or none of their elected officials are honest. Similar numbers said politicians don’t understand ordinary people’s needs or fail to focus on the country’s most important problems. Just 14% believe most of their officials are honest.
Greece again led the pack in distrust. Three-quarters of Greeks said few or none of their elected officials are honest or understand people’s needs. Negative views were also common in Italy, Spain, Turkey, the U.S., and across Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.
By contrast, Sweden, the Netherlands, Canada, India, and Japan were more forgiving. In Sweden, for example, about 4 in 10 adults said most elected officials are well-qualified and focused on important problems.
Younger adults are more cynical
In several countries, younger adults are more likely than older generations to say their political systems need major change. That age gap was especially large in Indonesia, Hungary, Canada, and the U.S.
Young people in France and the U.S. were also far more likely to believe that elected officials lack honesty, ethics, or qualifications.
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