Confidence in Norway’s Parliament and government has been dented but not seriously damaged after a year of unprecedented scandal and ministerial changes. A new survey shows that Norwegians remain quite confident in their democratic institutions.
The survey, conducted by research firm Respons Analyse, was presented at this week’s annual Arendalsuka gathering of top politicians, public sector officials, organizations and journalists. Newspaper Aftenposten reported that fully 67 percent of the roughly 1,000 Norwegians questioned gave good marks to the Parliament despite some major budget overruns and changes in top administration.
Around 50 percent had strong confidence in the government, but that was down from 60 percent last year and in line with recent public opinion polls showing declining support for the current government coalition led by Erna Solberg of the Conservatives.
Only around 15 percent of Norwegians have confidence in social media, however, despite increased usage. The portion of those who think social media is important for democracy declined fro 35 percent last year, to 32 percent this year.
newsinenglish.no staff
