A recent survey by the STEM agency reveals that Czechs’ trust in the police and military is on the rise again, reaching 73% and 70%, respectively, after a period of decline. The survey also indicates that 58% of people trust the Constitutional Court, while both the President and NATO have a trust level of 57%. The increase in confidence in some institutions is attributed to the improvement in the economic situation of households.
The agency highlighted the persistent perception of the military depending on political preferences. “In March 2020, approximately 80% of respondents trusted the military, regardless of whether they supported the ODS or SPD, as everyone trusted it similarly. However, between May 2021 and June 2022, something happened, and trust in the military began to differ significantly among supporters of various parties,” said STEM analyst Jiří Táborský.
Currently, 93% of ODS supporters and 89% of Pirate Party supporters trust the military. Among the opposition, 67% of people support the ANO movement, and only 48% of potential SPD voters trust the military. Despite society’s polarization, trust in all groups has significantly increased compared to January of this year.
The Constitutional Court is similarly perceived, while party preferences do not play a significant role in the police case. “Trust in institutions is a general indicator that reflects trust in the state and the overall system,” reminded Táborský of the broader societal context.
No significant changes have occurred in the area of international institutions. The European Union maintains the trust of 40% of the population, and NATO has slightly increased to 57%. The agency noted that the EU’s trust was weakened mainly by major crises, primarily the economic and migration crises.
Other institutions included in the survey were the United Nations, trusted by half of the respondents, Czech Television, with 44% support, and the Chamber of Deputies and the government, with 26% and 25% of respondents expressing trust, respectively.
The survey was conducted from June 10 to 17 and involved 1,032 respondents.