In November 2023, a higher share of people (44%) across OECD countries had low or no trust in the national government than high or moderately high trust (39%). However, there are significant variations across countries and groups. Despite concerns about the cost of living and worries about the war in Europe and the Middle East, trust levels decreased only moderately since 2021; but with a larger drop of 5 percentage points for women and people with lower education.    

People who feel financially insecure, those with low levels of education, women, younger people as well as those who report belonging to a group that is discriminated against report lower levels of trust in government. Nevertheless, the largest trust gaps are associated with individuals' sense of having a say in government actions, which is a key driver of trust. Indeed, 69% of those who feel they have a say in government actions trust national government, while only 22% do among those who feel they do not have a say.

Satisfaction with the provision of key public services, such as health, education and administrative services, remains relatively high. Although satisfaction with the healthcare and education systems declined over the past two years and warrants further monitoring. A majority trusts that public agencies would use their personal data only for legitimate purposes and would treat fairly their application for a service or a benefit. These day-to-day interactions with public institutions remain key drivers of trust in the civil service and local government.  

Overall, there is more scepticism in the government’s ability to tackle complex policy issues, with trade-offs across different groups in society, than about the ability to provide public services. Only around 40% believe that the government balances the interests of different generations, will regulate artificial intelligence appropriately or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These results are at least partly attributable to the lack of confidence in institutions and officials working in the public interest, being accountable to each other and the population, and allowing people to influence decision making. 

In today’s complex information environment, with the rise of disinformation and polarising content, how information is created, shared and consumed is closely tied with trust. Data shows evidence based decision making is a very important driver of trust today. Governments can earn public trust by better communicating the data and evidence that supports reforms. However, just 41% believe the government uses the best available evidence in decision making, and only 39% think that communication about policy reforms is adequate. 

• Figure 1. Trust in national government | Download
  
• Figure 2. Trust in different public institutions, other people and media| Download
• Figure 3. Trust in national government, by population groups | Download
• Figure 4. Day-to-day interactions with public institutions | Download
• Figure 5. Government decision-making on complex policy issues | Download