Europeans: liberal, anxious and don't trust politicians

[marmar]

from the Guardian UK:




Europeans are liberal, anxious and don't trust politicians, poll reveals
Guardian/ICM survey in five EU countries shows people see a bleak economic future and don't think their leaders will deliver

Julian Glover
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 13 March 2011


Europe's hope of a better future is faltering, as the financial crisis and spending cuts bite, according to a Guardian/ICM poll of five leading EU countries. It finds trust in government at rock bottom and widespread fear of further economic decline. Few people are convinced that the present signs of recovery can be sustained.

The poll was carried out online using a representative sample of more than 5,000 people of working age in five leading EU states – Britain, France, Germany, Poland and Spain. It paints a picture of a continent confident in its liberal values and still mostly committed to EU institutions such as the euro and the free movement of people between states, but notably hostile to state spending and political leaders.

Carried out at the start of a month-long Guardian series examining Europe in the wake of recession, the poll makes it clear that few Europeans believe the worst of the economic crisis is over. A majority are also against immediate cuts in government spending.

The result is a crisis in European democracy. While people are divided on the need for state spending cuts and the speed with which they should take place, very few in the five states surveyed trust their politicians to deal with the problems facing their countries – or even their honesty. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/13/guardian-icm-europe-poll-2011

[midnight]

1. We are one and we are starting to realize that we need to stand together...

[cali]

2. then why are they voting for right leaning leaders and governments in

one European country after another?

[ananda]

3. That is my question too.

Is it a psychic disconnect?

[provis99]

4. liberal means something different in Europe than here.

In Europe, you can be "liberal" and right wing. Left wingers tend to identify as socialist, rather than liberal, since liberal is identified with libertarian in Europe.

[moondust]

5. My guess:

immigration/cultural identity.