In democracies, trust in public institutions is essential to the success of reforms necessary to the digital and climate transitions. It is within this context that Slovenia, along with 29 other OECD countries, participated in the second OECD Survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions (Trust Survey) in 2023.
This report, Lessons from the 2023 OECD Trust Survey in Slovenia, offers valuable insights into the state of trust in Slovenian public institutions. It presents key findings from the Trust Survey for Slovenia, offering comparative insights into public trust and the factors which drive it. It comes at a crucial time; Slovenia, like many nations, is grappling with the aftermath of global crises and seeking to strengthen its democratic foundations.
The Trust Survey, which provides the original data for this report, was implemented in 30 OECD countries, including Slovenia, in October and November 2023. The questions in the survey build on the OECD Framework on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions, developed over the past decade by the OECD Public Governance Committee. Besides the main questionnaire administered to all countries, two additional questions specific to Slovenia were included. These questions focused on individuals' main sources of information about government actions and how often they encounter or actively seek this information.
The survey results reveal both challenges and opportunities. While trust levels in Slovenian public institutions generally fall below the OECD average, there are promising signs of strength in certain areas, particularly in day-to-day interactions with public services. However, the findings also highlight areas requiring attention, such as the perception of government decision-making processes.
Notably, the survey sheds light on the complex relationship between information, public communication, and trust in Slovenia. It underscores the crucial role that transparent and effective communication plays in fostering public trust.
This report not only provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of trust in Slovenia but also offers actionable insights for improvement. By addressing the identified areas for enhancement, Slovenia can strengthen its public governance, reinforce democratic values, and ultimately, build a more trusting relationship between its citizens and public institutions.