A recent study conducted by the AboutPeople Institute for the Progressive Lab reveals a troubling trend across five European countries, where 22% of citizens believe that, under certain circumstances, a dictatorship could be preferable to democracy. The survey found that a quarter of the European population is willing to grant a strong leader extraordinary powers, even if this involves limiting democratic processes.
The survey, carried out from November 25 to December 16, 2025, included respondents from Greece, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Romania. While the majority of citizens continue to support democracy as a fundamental principle, frustrations over its current function are mounting.
Data indicates significant disparities in dissatisfaction levels among the surveyed countries. In Greece, a staggering 76% of participants feel that democracy is not functioning properly, followed by France at 68% and Romania at 66%. The United Kingdom and Sweden reported lower dissatisfaction rates at 42% and 32%, respectively. Notably, southern and eastern European nations expressed higher frustrations compared to their northern counterparts, which analysts attribute to a combination of economic challenges, high inflation, the effects of the migration crisis, declining trust in traditional parties, and general political instability.
The study also explored attitudes toward authoritarian governance. Twenty-six percent of respondents expressed that an effective leader could be granted temporary dictatorial powers during crises, even if it meant diminishing parliamentary oversight. This inclination towards strong leadership was particularly pronounced among younger individuals and those with higher education levels in certain countries.
Experts attribute this rising skepticism toward democratic institutions to several factors, including governments’ perceived inability to respond rapidly to crises, escalating social inequality, the polarization of information, and a pervasive disillusionment with political elites. Importantly, among those who showed some affinity for authoritarianism, most do not advocate abandoning elections or basic rights altogether; instead, they emphasize the need for swift and decisive governance.
The study’s authors warn that these findings should serve as a critical alert for European governments. The widening gap between superficial support for democratic ideals and palpable disappointment in their practical application creates an environment conducive to the emergence of populist and radical political movements. In the context of ongoing challenges such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, persistent security threats, and economic uncertainty, restoring trust in democratic institutions is emerging as a vital concern for the future of Europe.