“Weakening” – Survey: impact of Trump’s victory on Europe

Political experts had expected a neck-and-neck race in the American elections. And they were completely wrong. Former President Donald Trump won without a doubt against his rival Kamala Harris and was even able to claim all the swing states. The impact of the victory on Europe has been reported several times in recent days.

Now P8 Marketing GmbH, with offices in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna, also presents a study on this topic. Across Austria, 501 people participated (not representative).

Nearly 60 percent expect the economy to be weak
The results are exciting and at the same time a wake-up call for politicians in Austria and the other EU countries. More than half of respondents (58%) say the economy in Europe will become weaker under Trump’s presidency. A quarter believe this will remain the same. Only 17 percent believe that the European economy is getting stronger (see chart).

The subject of defense was also asked. Here, 39 percent fear that this will become weaker. 36 percent suspect that this will remain the same. “European defense is getting stronger,” say only 26 percent.

Fear that Europe is falling behind
When it comes to Europe’s global importance, 45 percent of 501 respondents say it will decrease. 35 percent suspect that this will remain the case, another 20 percent hope that Europe’s global political importance will increase.

“Does the European Union need more powers in the areas of economy, defense and foreign policy to be able to assert itself with clear positions against the US, China and Russia,” P8 also wanted to know. 71 percent responded that the EU needs more skills in the economy. 72 percent demand more powers in the field of foreign policy and 61 percent in the field of defense.

Clear mission: saving on government expenditure
And how do the survey participants assess economic development in Austria? “I expect a negative development,” says 35 percent. Exactly a third expects developments to remain the same, while 32 percent expect a positive future. Given this result, it is not surprising that 75 percent answered a clear yes to the question of whether Austria should cut public spending and reduce taxes. According to P8 leader Georg Hofherr, “this is a clear mandate for the next federal government.”

As in previous surveys, P8 Marketing GmbH wanted to know how happy Austrians are. Accordingly, the so-called happiness barometer stands at 3.3 points. For better comparison: in August this year the value was 3.4. Last year it fluctuated between 3.4 in May and 3.3 in September.

‘Looking good’ is secondary
When it comes to factors that contribute to happiness, health remains in first place at 82 percent. This is closely followed at 71 percent by the fact that they have no financial worries. The ‘intact family’ comes in third place with 66 percent. This is followed by a partnership (63%), a nice home (56%) and security (52%). For Austrians, ‘looking good’ is the least important for personal happiness (24%).

Savings reigns supreme when it comes to Christmas spending
The respondents are not happy with the taxes at all. The specific question: are people in Austria who work full-time at a tax disadvantage? 68 percent answered yes. Nearly a quarter (26%) said no and six percent said they didn’t care.

Finally, a look at Christmas, which is fast approaching: 51 percent of respondents want to spend the same amount on gifts this year as last year. Almost a third (31%) will save and invest less. Only 18 percent want to spend more on presents under the Christmas tree. “The mood among Austrians is dropping,” says P8 boss Hofherr.