Helmut Melzer
For 87 percent of Austrians surveyed by the social research institute SORA, democracy is the best form of government - even “if it may cause problems”. But, says Günther Ogris (SORA): “Internationally, the number of democracies rose to 2005 by 123. Since then we have observed stagnation and, in some cases, regressions in democratic rights. "
Four percent of respondents said they reject democracy as a form of government and support the idea of a "strong leader" who "does not have to worry about parliament and elections." Five percent of respondents said they wanted to restrict the independence of the courts, seven percent said they should regulate freedom of expression and assembly, and eight percent pleaded for restrictions on media and opposition rights. In about one third of the interviewees, the social researchers in their analysis located a "readiness for authoritarian measures": 34 percent stated that while they generally agreed with democracy, they were in favor of wanting to restrict at least one of the fundamental and freedoms , the media, the freedom of expression and assembly, the independence of the courts or opposition rights. The other side: According to the survey, 63 percent of respondents wanted more rights for workers, 61 percent more participation, and 49 percent said independence of courts and the media was important. 46 percent said they were in favor of expanding the welfare state.
