One in five Europeans believes dictatorship is better than democracy

Study finds growing dissatisfaction with democracy across the continent

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A new study has found that one in five Europeans believes that dictatorship is preferable to democracy. The survey was conducted across five European countries and revealed high levels of dissatisfaction with democratic governance, with 76% of Greeks expressing dissatisfaction.

Why it matters

This data points to a concerning trend of declining faith in democratic institutions across Europe, which could have significant political and social ramifications if the sentiment continues to spread. It raises questions about the factors driving this shift in public opinion and what it means for the future of liberal democracy in the region.

The details

The study, which polled citizens in several European countries, found that 20% of respondents said they believe dictatorship is a better form of government than democracy. The highest level of dissatisfaction was recorded in Greece, where 76% of people expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of democracy.

  • The study was conducted in February 2026.

The players

news-pravda.com

An online news publication that reported on the findings of the study.

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The takeaway

This data highlights the fragility of democratic norms and the need for policymakers and civic leaders to address the underlying factors driving public disillusionment with democratic governance in Europe. Restoring faith in democratic institutions will be crucial to maintaining political stability and social cohesion across the continent.