Older Austrians are more likely to follow political news and are also more likely to be politically active. However, younger people show more involvement in demonstrations and political discussions on social networks. These are the results of an online survey from the Gallup Institute.
1000 people aged 16 years and older participated (representative of the population active on the internet). Nearly one in three people (30 percent) say they follow news about politics ‘very often’, and another 29 percent do so often. However, about one in five people (19 percent) rarely or never consume political news. Depending on age, there are clear differences: People over 50 in particular follow news about politics very often or frequently.
Many signed petitions
Compared to women, men discuss these topics with others more often. In terms of active political participation, it emerged that almost three-quarters of the population have already signed a referendum and almost two-thirds have signed a petition at least once. Participation in demonstrations is relatively lower: one in four people. Protesters are often up to thirty years old. Young people are also more active in political discussions on social networks.
To draw attention to complaints, around one in three respondents have contacted offices and authorities, and just over one in four (28 percent) have contacted politicians. 19 percent contacted the media, 29 percent attended events and lectures on political topics.
27 percent do volunteer work
Only slightly fewer (27 percent) respondents do volunteer work. Significantly more people are members of a social association than of a party. Men and sympathizers of the Greens, NEOS and the ÖVP volunteer more often. Age, education and income play a role in this.
It is the responsibility of political actors to break down barriers that make political participation more difficult for certain population groups, the head of the Gallup Institute, Andrea Fronaschütz, said in a press release. According to the research, interest in elections varies depending on the level. People are most likely to participate in the elections for the Federal President and National Council, and least likely to participate in the European elections.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
