Can democracy still cope with today’s challenges? In Luxembourg, 44% of those surveyed are sceptical about the prospects for European democracies. A narrow majority, 52%, remain optimistic. However, more than seven in ten respondents believe that these democracies face real or very significant threats.
These results come from a survey carried out by the Zentrum fir politesch Bildung (ZpB) Foundation, the Centre for citizenship education, to mark its tenth anniversary. Available in five languages, the 12-question survey was carried out between 19 June and 2 July this year amongst 600 residents aged 15 and over.
A loss of trust in politics tops the list of perceived threats, cited by 43% of respondents. The spread of fake news follows closely behind, at 40%. Tensions within society and at the international level are each mentioned by 34% of those surveyed.
School as the main driver
The expected responses go beyond the political sphere alone. Combating disinformation is the most frequently cited priority, at 47%, ahead of reducing social inequalities, at 43%, and fostering critical thinking amongst citizens, at 38%. The impact of artificial intelligence is also among the democracy-related topics on which respondents would like to learn more, alongside disinformation, social inequalities and freedom of expression.
“Teaching democratic skills is not enough to tackle the challenges we face when social inequalities are widening and AI and social media are amplifying disinformation and eroding trust,” emphasises Michèle Schilt, deputy director of the ZpB.
In Luxembourg, 71% of those surveyed would like to strengthen the “democratic culture” – in other words, to gain a better understanding of and put into practice the principles that underpin democracy: civic participation, respect for differing opinions and critical thinking. And 41% would like the government to do more to foster democracy in society, ahead of schools, cited by 35%, and citizens themselves, cited by 32%.
Schools are the focus of some of these expectations. They are regarded as the main means of strengthening democratic culture by 57% of respondents aged 55 and over and 58% of those of Luxembourgish nationality. These respondents would like to see more discussion in schools about democracy and the role of citizens. To raise awareness amongst children and young people, 63% of those surveyed cited teaching mutual respect and tolerance, ahead of non-violent conflict resolution, at 54%.
