Austrian Federal Economic Chamber sees massive drop in public trust

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) has experienced a significant decline in public trust, according to the latest APA-OGM trust index. The institution saw a 26-point drop in the balance between trust and distrust.

Expert Johannes Klotz attributes this decline to several factors, including negative press regarding salary increases for officials during an economic crisis, the reluctant resignation of former WKÖ President Harald Mahrer, critical reports from the Court of Audit, and scandals involving the former Vienna State President Walter Ruck.

The crisis has also impacted other social partners and interest groups, though to a lesser extent. The Chamber of Labour saw an eight-point decrease, while the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB), the Association of Austrian Industries, and the Chamber of Agriculture also reported declines.

In contrast, the Austrian Police saw an increase in trust, reaching a balance of 76. Other institutions such as the Ombudsman Board, universities, and the Constitutional Court maintained relatively stable or high levels of public confidence.