How happy are Austrians, what do they think of the federal government and how do they assess economic development? P8 Marketing GmbH investigated these and other questions. More than 500 people took part in the online survey. The “Krone” presents the most exciting results.
First the good news: With 3.4 out of five points, Mr. and Mrs. Austrians are currently happier than they will be in 2023. A closer look shows that eleven percent describe themselves as very happy, and another 42 percent as happy. 34 percent say “partly/partly”. “Only” seven percent are unhappy and six percent are very unhappy.
“The positive general mood has further improved over the past year,” analyses P8 director Georg Hofherr. It is exciting to look at the factors that are crucial for happiness.
Health is the most important thing for our happiness
At the top of the list is health. For 75 percent of respondents, the absence of illness and pain is crucial to feeling happy. In second place is money. For 63 percent, not having to worry about money is a factor for a happy life. The bronze medal goes to the partnership (60%), closely followed by the “intact family” (57%).
For 50 percent, living safely is the key to happiness. For 48 percent, a beautiful home is crucial, while only 38 percent mention their friends. Particularly interesting: only 16 percent mention a beautiful appearance as a factor for happiness.
Investing in luxury goods comes last
Speaking of expensive money: we were also asked what the population would like to spend or invest money on this year or next year. Travelling comes in first place with 57 percent. Since health is the most important criterion for happiness, it is not surprising that 49 percent want to invest in their health. Leisure activities come in third place. 46 percent of respondents want to invest in this. Equally, 40 percent plan their expenditure on food and clothing. However, only 28 percent want to invest in their own home.
Probably a consequence of inflation: only seven percent of the 500 respondents want to spend money on luxury goods. Back to ‘free time’: 26 percent have planned an autumn or winter holiday of one to five days. Another 21 percent are planning a longer trip. 27 percent are not sure whether they want to go on holiday, while 24 percent are staying home.
Only 13 percent believe in a stronger Europe
We were also asked how Mr and Mrs Austrians assess economic development in the medium term. The majority (55%) expect it to remain at the current level, exactly one third believes in a negative development, only twelve percent see a positive development.
Also exciting in this context: “How will Europe develop compared to China, the US and other world powers?” was also asked. Almost half (48%) believe that Europe will become weaker, 40 percent believe that the international community will assert itself, and only 13 percent expect Europe to become stronger.
Before school starts, half of the government gives a fiver
Of particular importance for Chancellor Nehammer (ÖVP) and Green Vice President Werner Kogler in view of the elections on 29 September: a mere five percent of respondents said they were very satisfied with the work of the federal government. 13 percent are satisfied, a third are neutral on this question. An impressive 28 and 22 percent respectively are dissatisfied/very dissatisfied.
P8 boss Hofherr says: “The dispute in the government has reached the people directly. It is clear that not only the Black-Green Party, but also the people are dissatisfied with this coalition.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
