"Democracy's Dwindling Trust: Western Democracies Grapple with Pre-Election Crisis"
A recent poll conducted in seven Western countries, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, reveals that a majority of voters believe their democracy is in worse shape than it was five years ago. The poll shows widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of democracy, with many respondents perceiving the system as rigged in favor of the rich and powerful and calling for radical change. While there is mixed sentiment towards the European Union, with a majority in favor of it but dissatisfied with its democratic state, satisfaction with democracy at the local level is higher. These findings pose a challenge for EU leaders as they prepare for upcoming elections and seek to restore positive perceptions of EU institutions.