Between 2007 and 2012, citizens who said they have confidence in their national government declined to 40 percent on average from 45 percent, the report ‘Government at a Glance 2013’ found.
LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Five years after the economic and financial crisis hit, countries are still struggling to restore citizens’ trust in their governments, a report published on Thursday by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development said.
“Citizens look to governments to lead the way,” Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the Paris-based OECD said in a statement.
“Without strong leadership, supported by effective policies, trust is easily eroded. Good governance means putting the needs of the people at the centre of policy-making,” Gurria added.
Between 2007 and 2012, citizens who said they have confidence in their national government declined to 40 percent on average from 45 percent, the report ‘Government at a Glance 2013’ said. It surveyed citizens in the 34 developed and middle income countries that are members of the Paris-based policy and research centre, and it measured government performance using more than 50 indicators to compile the report.
Gurria said the findings show the need for urgent action.
“Building back trust is crucial to implement the necessary structural and fiscal reforms that are key to restoring growth and promoting well-being,” he said.
Countries hit hardest by the economic crisis saw the biggest drop in government trust with Greece dropping 25 percent and Ireland nearly 30 percent.
However, confidence in local government has not suffered as badly, the report found.
An average of 72 percent of OECD citizens reported having confidence in their local police force and almost the same percentage expressed satisfaction with healthcare, the report said.
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