The problems of democracy around the world

Although the democratic system remains popular, in the face of global challenges, from economic inequality to the climate crisis, young people’s faith in democracy is much weaker than older generations. According to a survey conducted in 30 countries, 57% of respondents aged 18 to 35 believe that democracy is better than any other form of government, and 42% support military rule. For comparison, 71% of respondents over 56 years of age favour democracy, and 20% consider the military regime to be the best system.

In Greece, the effects of this year’s floods, fires and the February train disaster raise questions about the competencies of state authorities, the central government and the state of Greek democracy. Greeks have a growing feeling that their state is failing, suffering from a lack of foresight, competence and honest management. Meanwhile, in Israel, all 15 Supreme Court judges are, for the first time in the country’s history, considering an amendment limiting their power to overturn decisions made by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the government’s reform critics, it undermines Israel’s democratic values and paves the way for authoritarian rule.

Support for far-right parties is growing across Europe – they are now among the top three most popular political parties in almost half of the 27 EU member states. Two critical electoral tests will take place in Slovakia and Poland shortly. Nationalists are also on track to succeed in 2024 in Austria and Belgium. In Germany, the far-right AfD is the second-strongest party in polls.