Mistrust in democratic institutions is growing sharply in Catalonia. Recent data show that a third of the region’s residents are not confident that democracy is the best way to govern. This trend is especially pronounced among young people under 35, whose faith in democracy is noticeably lower than that of the older generation.
In contrast, support for democratic values remains high among older Catalans. Nearly 80% of those over 65 consider democracy the optimal form of government. However, among the youth, there is a clear divide: they are more likely to express doubts and even sympathies toward alternative models, including authoritarian ones.
Social attitudes and views on migration
The survey also revealed other troubling trends. Nearly half of respondents believe that newcomers commit more crimes than locals. More than half support tougher penalties and deportation of migrants if they break the law. At the same time, most do acknowledge the economic benefits of having foreigners present.
Concerns over security and trust in others are also growing. More Catalans feel an increasing sense of danger in their towns and neighborhoods. This directly influences attitudes toward migration and fuels the desire to see stricter measures against those who break the rules.
Gender views and attitudes toward feminism
Researchers paid particular attention to the views of young men. Among this group, skepticism toward feminism is on the rise: a significant portion believe that the fight for women’s rights is harming relationships between the sexes. More than a quarter of young men are convinced that the problem of domestic violence is exaggerated or even fabricated.
At the same time, the majority of respondents acknowledge that women face inequality. However, among the youth, it’s increasingly common to hear that men actually find themselves at a disadvantage. Young women, on the contrary, tend to support the idea of equality and oppose authoritarian trends.
Attitudes toward LGBT and housing issues
Most Catalans support the right of same-sex couples to adopt children. However, views on transgender individuals are less clear-cut: only a third believe that gender transition should be allowed without a medical assessment.
The housing issue remains pressing. The vast majority of the region’s residents support evicting illegal squatters, but far fewer agree with evicting those who are unable to pay rent.
Heightened perception of threats and shifts in society
A general sense of instability and distrust toward institutions is being fueled by political and media debates. Young people are increasingly disillusioned with traditional governance and are looking for new ways to address social problems. The older generation, on the other hand, continues to uphold democratic values, viewing them as the foundation of stability and peace.
In Catalonia, the gap between generations and social groups is widening. This divide is evident not only in political views, but also in attitudes toward equality, security, and migration. The region faces a challenge: how to maintain a balance between freedom, justice, and social harmony amid shifting public sentiment.
