2025 Democracy Report Reveals Growing Skepticism Among Swedes
A new report reveals increasing skepticism among Swedes towards democracy and media, with significant concerns over disinformation.
Key Points
- • 44% of Swedes feel that democracy is under threat.
- • One-third of respondents believe politicians weaken democracy.
- • 50% of participants think news media slant news for their own agenda.
- • 95% of respondents agree that democracy is worth defending.
On June 23, 2025, during the first day of Almedalsveckan, the polling firm Novus unveiled its latest findings from the 2025 Demokratirapport, painting a concerning picture of public sentiment in Sweden regarding democracy and the media. The report highlights that 44% of Swedes perceive democracy as being under threat. The primary worries stem from influence campaigns and disinformation, which have eroded trust among the populace.
Significantly, one-third of those surveyed expressed the belief that politicians are actively weakening democracy, indicating a crisis of confidence in political leadership. Contentious views were also directed towards the media; half of the respondents, 50%, claimed that news outlets are deliberately skewing coverage to align with particular agendas rather than objective reporting.
Despite these troubling attitudes, a strong sense of commitment to democratic values was noted, with 95% of participants affirming that democracy is worth defending. This juxtaposition of skepticism and steadfastness reveals a complex landscape, where concerns about the integrity of democracy coexist with a robust appreciation for its fundamental principles.
The findings underscore a critical need for reflection among political leaders and media organizations, as public trust continues to be challenged. As Icelandic National Radio pointed out, this skepticism reflects wider trends seen globally, where misinformation significantly impacts democratic processes.
As Sweden continues to navigate these sentiments, the results from the Demokratirapport serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in both politics and media, and the urgent need to cultivate public trust amid evolving challenges to democracy.