Norway's trust in public administration has plummeted to 51 percent, according to the latest Innbyggerundersøkelsen survey released by the Direktoratet for forvaltning og økonomistyring (DFØ). This marks an 11 percentage point drop from 2021 and the second consecutive decline, raising concerns about citizen confidence in government operations. The survey, conducted every two years, gathered responses from around 16,000 Norwegians in autumn 2025, painting a nuanced picture of satisfaction and skepticism amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
A Disturbing Trend in Confidence
Only 51 percent of residents now report trust in public administration, down sharply from previous years. Hilde Nakken, leader of the division for governance, organization, and management at DFØ, emphasized the seriousness of this decline. 'Everyone working in public administration must take that drop seriously. So that people have trust in us,' Nakken said. She noted a paradox: while trust is falling, satisfaction with public services remains high, suggesting a disconnect between service delivery and perceived governance. The survey, which dates back to 2010, highlights a persistent issue, with trust levels now at a concerning low after steady erosion.
Citizen Voices from Fredrikstad
In Fredrikstad, residents like Rolf Bækkedal and Isabelle Mo express mixed feelings about societal trust. 'Generally, I have relatively high trust in society, with some exceptions. It's those who sit in the Storting,' said Bækkedal. Mo pointed to specific grievances, criticizing public spending priorities. 'I think the priorities are wrong. Town halls are being renovated, youth offerings disappear, and nursing homes get less money,' she stated. These anecdotes reflect broader survey findings where citizens question how public funds are managed, even as they maintain overall contentment with life in Norway. The human element underscores the data, showing that local frustrations contribute to the national trust deficit.
Shifts in Political Trust
Despite the overall decline in trust for public administration, the survey reveals a rebound in confidence toward political institutions. After clear drops in 2021 and 2023, trust in the Storting and the government is now rising. Nakken highlighted this trend, saying, 'What we see is that in this round, trust in the government has increased by 10 percentage points.' This contrast suggests that Norwegians may distinguish between elected officials and the broader administrative machinery, with political trust recovering amid ongoing public administration concerns. The data implies a complex relationship where governance perceptions are fluid and influenced by multiple factors.
Broad Satisfaction Amid Specific Grievances
The survey also covers overall life satisfaction, where 92 percent of Norwegians report being happy with living in Norway. However, satisfaction at the municipal level has seen a clearer decline, now 10 percentage points lower than in 2010, with only 79 percent content. Nakken summarized, 'The survey shows that nine out of ten Norwegians are satisfied with Norway as a country to live in.' This high national satisfaction contrasts with the trust issues, indicating that while citizens appreciate Norway's quality of life, they are increasingly critical of how local governments and administrations operate. The eighth iteration of the survey since 2010 tracks these subtle shifts, pointing to growing discontent in community-level governance.
| Metric | 2021 Result | 2025 Result | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust in public administration | 62% | 51% | -11 pp |
| Trust in government | Not specified | Increased | +10 pp |
| Satisfaction with Norway | 92% (consistent) | 92% | No change |
| Satisfaction with municipality | Not specified | 79% | -10 pp from 2010 |
| Table: Key survey findings from DFØ's Innbyggerundersøkelsen. Note: Some data points are from source context. |
Concerns Over Geopolitics and Technology
Innbyggerundersøkelsen delves into specific worries shaping public opinion. Respondents cited geopolitical unrest and economic conditions as primary concerns for the future. Additionally, issues like corruption and artificial intelligence (AI) were highlighted, reflecting broader global anxieties impacting Norwegian society. These factors contribute to the trust decline, as citizens grapple with external pressures that may influence government responsiveness and transparency. The survey's scope includes these elements, showing that trust is not isolated but intertwined with national and international contexts.