Metron Analysis Survey: Cost of Living and Justice Top Concerns for Greeks

A comprehensive survey by Metron Analysis unveiled on the opening day of the 8th annual Circle of Ideas conference titled “Greece After VIII: Europe, Greece, and the Storm of New Challenges,” has shed light on the pressing issues facing Greek citizens.

The study, exploring the period before and after February 28, 2025—a date marked by the Tempi protests in Greece and the Trump-Zelensky White House clash globally—captures a nation at a turning point amid growing domestic and international instability.

The survey identifies the economy and cost of living (63%) and the rule of law (46%) as the primary concerns within Greece, reflecting widespread pessimism (49%) and anger (43%). The demand for justice, tied to the mass mobilisations over the Tempi tragedy, underscores the focus on legal accountability.

Satisfaction with the country’s democratic governance scored a dismal 4.1 out of 10, signaling a crisis of trust that has fueled an “anti-systemic” sentiment, eroding support for mainstream parties like New Democracy (ND) and PASOK. ND’s potential influence dropped 15 points (from 44 to 29) between December 2024 and March 2025, while PASOK, though leading, fell 7 points (from 47 to 40).

Citizens expressed a desire for change, with 57% favouring coalition governments, 83% calling for streamlined judicial processes, and 71% advocating for industrial growth over a service-based economy. Two-thirds rejected the notion that only the current prime minister is fit to lead, alongside broadly negative views of the state.

Globally, the survey highlights fears over Donald Trump’s policies, seen as a threat to Greece (31%), second only to Turkey (52%). His influence is expected to strain U.S.-Europe ties and the West’s global standing, prompting 63% of respondents to favor greater EU strategic autonomy over U.S. alignment (34%). A majority (59%) believe the West is in decline, painting a picture of a more authoritarian and cynical world emerging from the ashes of postwar norms.

The Metron Analysis findings suggest February 28 was not a standalone rupture but a crystallization of long-brewing tensions, deepening Greece’s political trust crisis and challenging its Euro-Atlantic ties as citizens brace for an uncertain future.

Source: pagenews.gr