MONET 2030: Trust in the Federal Council

SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Goal description

« Sustainable Development highlights the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, the provision of access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels»

Swiss target 16.6: The authorities follow the principle of freedom of information and act in line with the principles of appropriateness and efficiency

Significance of the indicator
The indicator reflects the subjective feelings of the Swiss population towards the Federal Council on a scale from 1 (no trust) to 10 (complete trust). The Federal Council is a central institution of the Swiss Confederation. Public trust in the Federal Council is therefore essential to legitimise this institution. Trust is reflected in the feeling that institutions such as the federal government do things “properly”, without individuals having to understand the ins and outs of every ongoing process. Increasing public trust in government institutions is a step towards sustainable development.

Help for interpretation
The indicator is based on a subjective feeling of trust.

International comparability
This indicator cannot be compared at international level.

Synthesis

The Federal Council trust index reflects the subjective feelings of the Swiss population towards this institution on a scale from 1 (no trust) to 10 (complete trust). Respondents use this scale to indicate whether the Federal Council enjoys their trust. Trust in various institutions has been measured since 1995. The surveys, involving around 1200 respondents, focus on important authorities (Federal Council, federal parliament, courts, the police and the army), the Swiss economy, the media and political parties.

The survey is carried out by the Centre for Security Studies at ETH Zurich and the Military Academy on behalf of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport. This indicator has been measured every year since 1997.

ETH Zürich – Center for Security Studies

Swiss target 16.6: The authorities follow the principle of freedom of information and act in line with the principles of appropriateness and efficiency.

International target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.