A new study published by Politico indicates that around one in five Europeans, about 22%, prefer dictatorship to democracy under certain circumstances, signaling a concerning level of distrust towards democratic institutions across Europe. The research was conducted by AboutPeople for the think tank Progressive Lab in five countries, including Greece, where the findings are particularly alarming, as they highlight Greece's significant struggles with democratic satisfaction.

In Greece, an astonishing 76% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy, the highest among the surveyed nations, which included France, the UK, and Romania. This dissatisfaction appears not necessarily to stem from a rejection of democracy itself, but rather from frustration regarding its implementation. Comparatively, France reported 68% dissatisfaction, Romania 66%, and the UK 42%. These figures indicate a broad sentiment of discontent regarding how democratic systems operate, particularly in Greece, calling for urgent attention from policymakers and civic leaders.

The implications of such widespread dissatisfaction are profound, as they suggest a potential shift in political attitudes towards authoritarianism, especially in nations like Greece, where democratic processes are already under strain. Policymakers must consider these findings seriously, as they signal a critical need for reforms to restore public trust in democratic institutions and prevent further erosion of democratic values.