Finns' trust in institutions is plummeting – Reputation and Trust Analytics

Finns trust their political decision-makers and labor market organizations less than they used to. The 2016 Nation’s Values study indicates that the government has suffered the greatest loss of trust. In contrast, the police, the education system, and the healthcare system enjoy the highest levels of trust among Finnish citizens.

Political decision-makers have suffered a decline in their reputation due to initiatives such as the Government’s Competitiveness Pact, which has been a long time in the making. Trust in the Government, Parliament, and labor market organizations has fallen significantly since 2013. Only one in three Finns now says they trust the Government. Three years ago, the Government’s approval rating stood at 45%.

THE FUTURE OF THE WELFARE STATE IS UNDER THREAT

Finns are becoming less willing to pay higher taxes, whether to reduce government debt or to preserve the welfare state. At the same time, Finns are calling for an end to government borrowing.

The study shows that Finns trust the public sector as a provider of healthcare services. Overall, the findings indicate that Finns favor simplifying the structures of the public sector and the government.

HOPES FOR LONGER CAREERS ARE FADING

Finns face challenges both at the beginning and at the end of their working lives. Youth unemployment is a particular concern. 77% of respondents believe it is too difficult for young people to launch their careers.

Confidence among middle-aged people in their abilities and career prospects is at a low point. Furthermore, interest in entrepreneurship among people aged 55 to 64 has declined.

IMMIGRATION: HOT TOPIC

Most Finns view immigrants favorably. Opinions on immigration, however, are polarized, and attitudes are becoming more strongly held. Interestingly, the views of different age groups are moving in opposite directions. Middle-aged people are becoming increasingly critical of immigration, while younger people are showing an increasingly favorable attitude.

The data for the 2016 Nation’s Values study was collected through an online survey conducted between October 6 and November 4, 2016. A total of 3,147 Finns participated in the survey. The research project is a collaboration between the Finnish Economic Information Office and T-Media. The study targeted Finns aged 15 to 74 nationwide (excluding Åland).

You can download the research report (in Finnish) here.

Further information

Economic Information Office (TAT), President, Kari Väisänen, +358 400 138 767, kari.vaisanen(a)tat.fi

T-Media, Research Manager, Reeta Sutinen, +358 40 511 9936, reeta.sutinen(at)t-media.fi

Economic Information Office (TAT), Producer, Internal and External Communications, Mari Lehtonen, +358 40 450 8307, mari.lehtonen(a)tat.fiFinns have less trust in political decision-makers and labor market organizations than ever before. According to the 2016 Values of the People survey, the government has suffered the greatest loss of trust over the past three years. The police, the education system, and healthcare enjoy the highest levels of trust among citizens.

Reputational setbacks, such as the long-debated competitiveness pact, have taken a heavy toll on political decision-makers. Trust in the government, Parliament, and labor market organizations has fallen significantly from 2013 levels. The government has suffered a particularly severe blow: only one-third of citizens say they trust the government, whereas three years ago that figure was 45 percent.

THE FUTURE OF THE WELFARE STATE IS UNDER THREAT

Fewer and fewer Finns are willing to pay higher taxes, whether the goal is to reduce public debt or to maintain the welfare state. Still, there is a desire to put a stop to the rise in debt.

However, the public sector is trusted to organize healthcare. When weighing the options of taking on more debt or raising taxes, public opinion appears to favor streamlining public sector structures and public administration.

PLANS TO EXTEND WORKING LIVES HAVE NOT BEEN REALIZED

Finns face challenges at both the beginning and the end of their careers. Youth unemployment is a cause for concern; 77 percent believe that it is currently far too difficult for young people to enter the workforce.

Conversely, middle-aged people’s confidence in their own abilities and career prospects has virtually collapsed. Furthermore, far fewer people aged 55–64 are enthusiastic about starting a business than in the past.

IMMIGRATION DIVIDES PUBLIC OPINION

The vast majority of Finns have a positive attitude toward immigrants. However, immigration issues divide the public, and opinions have become somewhat more polarized. It is interesting to note that the attitudes of different age groups toward immigration issues have developed in very different directions. Middle-aged people have clearly adopted a more critical stance in recent years. Conversely, the attitudes of young people have shifted toward greater tolerance.

Data for the “People’s Values” survey was collected via an online questionnaire between October 6 and November 4, 2016, and a total of 3,147 Finns responded. The survey was conducted in collaboration with the Economic Information Office TAT and T-Media Oy. The target group consisted of Finns aged 15–74 nationwide (excluding the Åland Islands).

Download the research summary here(PDF)