Residents of Uddevalla Express Declining Trust in Local Politicians
A survey shows declining trust in municipal politicians among Uddevalla residents, highlighting key sentiments and areas for improvement.
Key Points
- • Trust in local politicians fell to 27% in 2025 from 33% in 2024.
- • 60% of respondents believe trust in politicians has worsened recently.
- • 62% feel municipal employees act in the community's best interests.
- • Residents demand improved communication and transparency from officials.
A recent survey conducted by Indikator on behalf of Uddevalla municipality has revealed a significant decline in residents' trust in local politicians. Out of 8,000 randomly selected residents, 3,297 participated in the survey, yielding a response rate of 41%. The findings show that trust in municipal politicians dropped to 27% in 2025, down from 33% in 2024. Alarmingly, 60% of respondents reported a belief that the overall trust in local politicians has worsened over the last two years.
While confidence in elected officials has declined, public sentiment towards municipal employees remains more positive, with 62% of survey respondents asserting that these employees are working in the best interest of the community—a consistent figure from the previous year. The survey also indicated demographic differences; older participants generally expressed higher trust levels than younger ones, and men exhibited slightly more trust than women. There's also a noted political divide, with those identifying as right-leaning showing greater trust in politicians compared to their left-leaning counterparts, who had more confidence in municipal employees.
Importantly, the survey highlighted areas needing urgent improvement, especially in elderly care and social services, where many respondents felt dissatisfied. Residents called for enhanced communication, responsiveness, and transparency from their local government. These survey results provide critical insights that could guide the municipality in rebuilding trust and improving citizen engagement in the future.
As the municipality assesses these findings, addressing the concerns raised by the community remains vital for fostering a more trusting relationship with its constituents.