Is democracy dying?

In 2023, the European democratic system is facing a crisis of distrust among its citizens. This is a result of a number of factors, including economic inequality, political corruption, and a lack of representation in government.

One of the main reasons for this distrust is economic inequality. The gap between the rich and the poor in Europe is growing, and many citizens feel that their government is not doing enough to address this issue. They see politicians making decisions that benefit the wealthy at the expense of the working class, and they feel that their voices are not being heard.

Another major factor contributing to this distrust is political corruption. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile scandals involving politicians and government officials, which have led many citizens to believe that their government is corrupt and untrustworthy. This is further compounded by a lack of transparency and accountability in government, as many citizens feel that their leaders are not being held accountable for their actions.

Finally, many citizens feel that they are not being adequately represented in government. They see politicians who are out of touch with the needs and concerns of their constituents, and they feel that their voices are not being heard in the political process. This has led to a sense of disengagement and apathy among many citizens, who feel that their government is not working for them.

To address this crisis of distrust, it is essential that the European democratic system takes steps to address economic inequality, political corruption, and a lack of representation. This could include measures such as increasing transparency and accountability in government, implementing policies that address economic inequality, and giving citizens more of a say in the political process. 

In conclusion, the distrust of citizens in the European democratic system in 2023 is a serious problem that cannot be ignored. It is the result of a number of factors, including economic inequality, political corruption, and a lack of representation in government. To address this crisis, it is essential that the European democratic system takes steps to address these issues and give citizens a greater sense of trust and engagement in the political process.

OTI Group and IREDT are currently conducting a survey to evaluate the trust of citizens in the different public institutions in the EU, this is part of a study that started in 2022 to analyse current concerns from citizens and to report on them to local, and national and EU policymakers and to suggest reform accordingly.