Croatian youth show low political knowledge and trust in institutions

A study conducted by the Institute for Social Research (IDIZ) in Zagreb, the University of Zagreb, and the University of Rijeka reveals low political knowledge and trust among Croatian high school seniors. The research, titled ‘Political Competence of Youth on the Threshold of Adulthood’, surveyed 1,285 students.

On average, students correctly answered fewer than half of the 19 questions regarding fundamental political concepts and the Croatian constitutional system. While over 90% of students could identify the current ruling party in the Croatian Parliament, knowledge regarding constitutional changes and the role of civil society organizations was significantly lower.

The findings indicate a disconnect between youth and formal political institutions. While students express a willingness to engage in civic activism through volunteering, donating, and signing petitions, they show little interest in joining political parties. The military is the institution most trusted by the surveyed group, followed by religious institutions and the police, while political parties, the Parliament, the judiciary, and the Government rank lowest in trust.

Regarding information consumption, students primarily use TikTok and Instagram to stay informed about political events, whereas approximately 68% stated they never obtain political news from print media.