These months have been particularly challenging for our country, and it is precisely in such times that it becomes essential to rely on institutions that provide support and protection. In March 2021, Pepe Research asked Italians about their level of trust in institutions.
The highest levels of trust were recorded for law enforcement agencies (76%), educational institutions (70%)—despite ongoing debates about distance learning—and the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella (58%).
Public healthcare was undoubtedly a key sector throughout the period: from managing Covid-related hospitalisations to everyday emergencies, the efforts of the system to keep the complex situation under control were widely recognised. More than half of respondents expressed confidence in the healthcare system (54%), with particularly positive results among young people aged 18–24.
Overall, the picture is fairly positive, considering that respondents were asked to evaluate 17 different items, and for about half of them at least 50% of respondents expressed trust.
More cautious opinions were recorded regarding the new Draghi Government, the government in general, and the European Union, which showed higher levels of scepticism: on average, six out of ten people reported having little or no trust, especially in municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. However, this should not be a cause for concern, as there are also significant shares of respondents expressing trust in the government—particularly in the Draghi administration, especially among 45–54-year-olds. Positive expectations towards the EU are also observed among younger respondents aged 18–24.
Banks and trade unions, however, appear to be the institutions currently facing the greatest levels of distrust. Only 17% and 25% of respondents respectively express confidence in these two institutions.