A majority of 84% of Portuguese consider it “very important” or “important” to vote in the next European Parliament (EP) elections, according to the latest Eurobarometer poll.
The opinion on the relevance of the elections was consistent with that expressed in all 27 European Union states (86%), with only 14% of Portuguese people rating the vote as “not very important”, and 2% saying they “didn’t know”.
A further 9% of respondents expressed a “very important” and “important” rating compared to the same survey conducted in September/October 2018, ahead of the May 2019 elections, which was however balanced by a turnout of 31% in Portugal , which is lower than 51% in the European Union (EU) as a whole.
In Portugal, 57% of those surveyed said they would “absolutely” vote if elections were held at the end of October 2023, the week following the survey date.
According to surveys conducted between September 28 and October 15 last year.
A greater role for the European Parliament was supported by 61% versus an EU average of 53%, 19% did not support changes, 13% favored reducing the institution’s responsibilities and 7% “didn’t know.”
While 75% believe that “the country’s voice” matters in the EU, compared with an average of 64% across all European states, more Portuguese respondents (52%) said that “their voice” matters more in their own country . country than in the EU (46%).
Of 1,030 interviews conducted in Portugal with people over 15 years of age, 65% of respondents said they were “completely satisfied” with the functioning of democracy in the EU, higher than in the 27 countries overall. (53%).
“Solidarity between member states and their regions”, followed by “protection of human rights” and “democracy” were among the priority values that the EP will defend.
“Combating poverty and social exclusion”, “supporting the economy and creating jobs” and “public health” were identified as priority issues for the activities of members of the European Parliament.
Finally, 56% of Portuguese indicated that they had a “totally positive” image of the European Parliament, 20% more than the EU as a whole, compared to 9% who identified with a “totally negative” image, declaring themselves “neutral” . On this matter, 33% and 2% have “no opinion.”
Author: SATURDAY
Source: CM Jornal
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