In the run-up to the national holiday on October 26 in Austria, including the actions of the army, an absolute majority of the population is in favor of stronger national defence. 63 percent (eight percent more than in 2021) of those surveyed are in favor of increasing spending on the military, 56 percent (13 percent more than in 2021) are in favor of increasing the number of military personnel.
With regard to strengthening the federal army, the highest ratings since the start of the series of studies were recorded. The results of the conducted research were published on Tuesday by the Ministry of Defense in collaboration with the Linz Market Institute.
1400 Austrians interviewed
Since 2019, the Ministry of Defense has annually examined security and threat experiences, the attitude of defense policy and the image of the armed forces in the Austrian population. From July 29 to August 15, the Linz Market Institute surveyed 1,400 Austrians over the age of 15 online. The questionnaire is designed by the client.
Pessimistic assessment of the security situation
The representative survey resulted in a significantly more pessimistic assessment of the security situation: while in 2021 more than 70 percent rated the security situation in Austria as very or fairly certain, this share is now 50 percent. The global security situation is rated as very or rather uncertain by 57 percent of those surveyed.
Inflation, war in Europe and climate change
The public’s concerns mainly relate to rising prices (70 percent feel strongly or rather threatened by this), tensions between the West and Russia as a result of the Ukraine conflict (60 percent strongly or rather threatened) and climate change (57 percent strongly threatened). or rather threatened).
While 75 percent are in favor of Austria’s greater independence from Russian gas supplies, a relative majority of 46 percent is in favor of Austria limiting its economic ties with Russia.
agree to neutrality
58 percent strongly agree that Austria should remain neutral. As in previous years, more than two-thirds (68 percent) have a positive basic attitude towards the armed forces.
“The Austrians know that they can rely on the army,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) about the study commissioned by her department. However, the war of aggression against Ukraine led to a greater awareness of the importance of an effective military national defense.
Different research, different picture
A study by the opinion research institute Unique-research (500 people) that was published this weekend in the news magazine ‘profil’ paints a somewhat different picture. There, the relative majority spoke out against the decision to increase the army budget.
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.
