The report’s lead author said such declines tend to be associated with increased support for populist and anti-establishment parties.
A study published in The British Journal of Political Science reveals a significant decline in public trust in democratic parliaments globally, with trust falling by 9% from 1990 to 2019. This decline is associated with increased support for populist and anti-establishment parties. While trust in non-representative institutions like the police and civil service remains stable or rising, the study warns that this erosion of trust in democratic institutions could empower autocratic leaders. The decline is observed in 36 democracies, including the US and UK, though some countries like Denmark and New Zealand show rising trust. The study emphasizes the need for democratic reforms to address these challenges.
