Donald Trump as 47th American president: what do the Austrians expect from his second term? This is evident from a study published on Wednesday by the Gallup Institute.
So much for now: many people have fears instead of hopes or positive expectations.
45 percent expect negative effects on world peace and security, 52 percent on global democracy, 53 percent on the global economy and 54 percent on EU-US relations. In contrast, only 19 percent of Austrians believe that relations between the United States and Europe will improve under Trump over the next four years. Only 18 percent see improvement in sight for democracy. 22 percent believe things will get better for the global economy. At least 31 percent hope for positive effects for peace and security.
Worry, but also hope
“Trump’s ‘America First’ approach and his attacks on the media and democratic institutions are also viewed with concern in Austria. However, his promise to ensure peace in Ukraine also fills some people with hope,” said the head of the Austrian Gallup Institute, Andrea Fronaschütz, during a broadcast about the survey results.
Which major powers will gain strength over the next four years during the Trump administration’s “America First” campaign? 67 percent of Austrians think that China has an advantage in this issue, only 46 percent see that the US itself predicts more influence for India, 27 percent for Russia, 20 percent for Japan. The EU and Britain with its “special relationship” are clearly lagging behind: only 17 percent of respondents expect the EU to be strengthened, and only seven percent expect Britain to be strengthened.
Conversely, 50 percent of Austrians see the British at a disadvantage, 42 percent the EU, followed by Russia with 39 percent. The negative outlook also predominates in Japan (26 percent). For India, the US and China, there is a majority that expects each of them to have more influence.
Many participants did not want to answer questions
The study surveyed 1,000 Austrians aged 16 and over before Christmas – well before Trump’s inauguration on Monday and the wave of presidential decrees he immediately issued – between December 17 and 29 of the previous year.
A fair number of participants were undecided on all questions or did not wish to comment. In the question block about the impact of Trump’s rule on certain areas, this group made up between 25 and 30 percent. 17 percent do not expect any impact on democracy in the world and 13 percent of respondents did not provide any information about this, a total of 30 percent.
In the question block about the great powers, between six (US) and twelve percent (Japan and India) do not want to answer and between 16 (China) and 42 percent (Japan) see constant influence. In the EU, the 17 percent are for “more influence” and the 42 percent for “less influence,” 33 percent for “just as much influence” and eight percent who refused to answer.
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.
