Censis, for 30% of Italians the autocracies most suited to the times – News
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Italians Show Increasing Distrust in Political Institutions, Favoring Strong Leaders
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A recent study by Censis reveals a growing disillusionment wiht traditional politics in Italy, coupled with a surprising level of confidence in autocratic leaders.
Key findings: A Nation Losing faith
A significant 72% of Italians no longer trust political parties, leaders, or Parliament, according to a report by the Censis research institute published by ANSA. This widespread skepticism coincides with a perceived loss of collective dreams, with 63% believing that any unifying national aspirations have faded.
Despite this broad disillusionment, Pope Francis stands out as a figure of trust for a majority of Italians (60.7%). Other European leaders garnered substantially less confidence: Sánchez (44.9%), Merz (33.5%), Von der Leyen (32.8%), Macron (30.9%), Starmer (29%), and Lula (23%).
The Appeal of Autocratic Leadership
The Censis report highlights a concerning trend: approximately 30% of Italians believe that autocratic leaders – those wielding absolute power – best represent the current spirit of the times. This sentiment translates into notable confidence levels for figures like Vladimir Putin (12.8%), Viktor Orbán (12.4%), Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (11%), Donald trump (16.3%), and Xi Jinping (13.9%).
This preference for strong leadership may stem from a feeling of powerlessness and frustration with the perceived ineffectiveness of democratic institutions. The report characterizes the current situation as “Italy in the wild age of iron and fire,” suggesting a period of instability and uncertainty.
Distrust in European institutions
The lack of faith extends beyond national politics to the European Union. A majority (62%) of Italians do not believe the EU plays a decisive role in global affairs, and 53% feel it lacks the capacity to address significant challenges effectively.