Democracy is about more than just elections and the separation of powers. It guarantees our freedom of expression, representation, and transparency—essential foundations for public participation. The International Day of Democracy serves as a reminder of how crucial democratic values are for building a just and inclusive society.
Public Affairs: Building Bridges Between Politics and Society
At the heart of public affairs is the diversity of opinions, made possible only in a democratic system. Public affairs work is all about representing interests and actively shaping political processes, with transparency and accountability as key guiding principles.
In our daily work, we ensure that our clients’ voices are heard—not through “backroom deals”, but as part of a pluralistic discourse. This openness to diverse opinions is the cornerstone of any democratic society and the foundation of effective representation.
The Austrian Democracy Monitor – A Snapshot of Our Democracy
Since 2018, the Democracy Monitor has been conducting annual surveys on how Austrians view democracy and the political system. The latest findings from 2023 reveal some concerning trends: globally, democracy levels have fallen back to where they were in 1986. For the first time in two decades, there are now more closed autocracies than liberal democracies. Austria has not been immune to these developments, though there are also signs of positive change.
- Satisfaction with the political system: While still low, satisfaction with the political system in Austria has improved slightly compared to last year. 39% of respondents believe the system is functioning well, a five-percentage-point increase from the previous year.
- Trust in political institutions: Trust in institutions like parliament and the government remains low. While 55% of those in the top income bracket express trust in the parliament, only 21% of those in the lowest income bracket share this confidence.
- Enduring support for democracy: Despite these challenges, 86% of respondents continue to believe that democracy is the best form of government—a sentiment that has remained stable over the years.
Fake News: A Threat to Democracy
In the digital age, a resilient democracy must extend to digital public spaces. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), both opportunities and challenges emerge. Automated systems can rapidly spread anti-democratic content—such as misinformation and conspiracy theories—on a massive scale. Politics, media, and civil society must actively combat these trends. The combination of growing distrust in politics and increasing confusion caused by disinformation heightens the risk of a more polarized society.
Our Commitment to Democracy
Since 2022, we have financially supported the Democracy Monitor, recognizing the importance of gathering data in this area. Democracy should never be taken for granted, and its strength relies on the democratic consensus of citizens. Identifying trends and shifts in public sentiment is crucial for safeguarding democracy.
If you’re looking to start or optimize public affairs work in your organization, try our free tool, the Public Affairs Check. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] to arrange an initial consultation.
