Finland maintains high trust in public institutions, OECD survey shows
Finland continues to rank among the highest in the world for trust in public institutions, according to the latest OECD Survey on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions. The survey, conducted in 2023 with around 2,000 Finnish respondents, found that trust in key institutions remains stable, though it varies across different sectors.
Finns express the strongest confidence in the police (89%), the courts (75%), and the Finnish Defence Forces, which are trusted by nine in ten people. Trust in central government stands at 68%, well above the OECD average of 45%. However, only 49% of respondents trust the national government, a figure that has risen by two percentage points over the past two years but remains below the 61% recorded four years ago (Finnish Ministry of Finance).
Satisfaction with services and concerns over influence
Satisfaction with administrative services in Finland increased slightly to 84%, reflecting positive experiences with public authorities. The survey highlights that trust is closely tied to perceptions of fairness, evidence-based decision-making, and opportunities for public participation. However, only one in four Finns believe ordinary people can influence government actions, a factor that significantly impacts trust levels.
Young adults (aged 18–29) report lower trust in institutions compared to those over 50, and economic concerns are linked to reduced confidence. Yle notes that financial strain and employment worries contribute to these disparities.
AI and future engagement
For the first time, the survey examined attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration. Finns view AI with cautious optimism, expressing more confidence than the OECD average in its potential to improve services and reduce costs. They also believe AI is appropriately regulated and used responsibly (Finnish Ministry of Finance).
Minister of Local and Regional Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen emphasized the importance of maintaining trust, stating that Finland’s high rankings reflect positive everyday interactions with public services. She announced plans for a roundtable discussion on building trust later this year, aiming to strengthen public engagement in decision-making.
Senior Ministerial Adviser Katju Holkeri highlighted trust as a key national asset, particularly in uncertain times, and stressed the need to integrate it into the deployment of emerging technologies like AI. The Ministry of Finance will further analyze the survey results in the coming months, with a public discussion scheduled for 17 August.