A new survey of more than 14,000 respondents from across 11 countries reveals that citizens around the world are demanding bold leadership and credible change from their leaders. The findings, released by Global Progress Action, highlight widespread concern about the cost of living, housing, and economic opportunity—and a clear rejection of the far right’s divisive politics and tactics.
A moment for bold, responsible leadership
In a political moment of democratic backsliding around the world, new findings from Global Progress Action provide a clear alternative. While populist movements have gained attention globally, respondents across most countries expressed skepticism toward their rhetoric and governing style. More than 70 percent reject the type of leadership associated with the far right, though support is more divided in the United States, Poland, and Brazil, where polarization remains high.
Instead, people want bold, responsible leadership that delivers meaningful change to improve their everyday lives. This offers a warning to those tempted to echo populist rhetoric: Respondents favor “change,” not “radical change.” They want leaders who tackle cost-of-living pressures, housing, and family well-being over political extremes.
The takeaway is clear: People around the world are dissatisfied with the status quo, but not with democracy itself. They are hopeful that their governments can be drivers of positive change––the way forward is tangible, people-focused delivery.
Respondents reject the status quo
Across the 11 countries surveyed, a strong majority of respondents believe their country is headed in the wrong direction and that their lives have worsened over the past decade. Concerns about cost-of-living pressures dominate public sentiment, with 35 percent of respondents citing it as their top issue, followed by health care (24 percent), immigration and asylum (20 percent), and crime (18 percent).
![Bar chart showing the percentages of people who think their country is going in the wrong direction (red bars, left) versus right direction (blue bars, right) across 11 countries.]()
People want governments to act
People want their government to act decisively to ease everyday pressures. Across countries, more than two-thirds of respondents support policies to bring down the cost of living, such as lowering rent and grocery prices, expanding child care, and making it easier to raise a family.
![Bar chart showing voter priorities for domestic issues that the government should focus on at this moment. Cost of living leads at 35% overall, ranking first in Australia, Canada, France, and the United States, and second in Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Health care follows at 24%, ranking first in Brazil and second in Canada, France, Italy, Sweden, and the United States. Immigration and asylum ranks third at 20%, ranking first in Germany and the United Kingdom.]()
Respondents also increasingly link the green transition with cutting household costs, particularly in countries such as Spain that have already seen economic benefits from clean energy. These findings suggest that framing the green transition as a pathway to affordability and economic relief should be central to progressive agendas.
Democracy still stands strong
Support for democracy remains robust. Between 55 percent and 80 percent of respondents across all countries surveyed agreed that “a democratic system of government where representatives elected by citizens decide what becomes law is the best way to improve people’s lives.” By contrast, few supported the idea that a strong, unelected leader should govern without checks and balances. Even in countries with established far-right movements, autocratic models have no significant majority support.
Importantly, people continue to look to governments—more than business or individuals—as the main driver of positive change, though many also report feeling powerless to influence political outcomes. This frustration underscores the challenge for democratic leaders: Citizens still believe in democracy, but they expect their governments to deliver tangible improvements in their lives and to challenge the status quo.
![Diverging bar chart comparing views on democracy's status globally versus within respondents' own countries across 11 nations. The left panel shows opinions on whether democracy is thriving or in decline around the world. Majorities in all countries believe democracy is in decline worldwide.]()
![Bar chart showing preferences for democratic versus strong leader systems of government across 11 countries. The first statement (purple) supports “A democratic system of government, where representatives elected by citizens decide what becomes law, is the best way to improve peoples' lives.” The second statement (orange) supports “A government system in which a strong leader can make decisions without interference from the legislature or the courts is the best way to improve peoples' lives.” Gray represents both/neither or don't know responses. Majorities in all countries surveyed prefer democratic systems over strong leader systems.]()
The path forward for progressives
People still believe in democracy, but they are losing patience with politics and policies that defend the status quo, and leadership that yields incremental outcomes while their daily lives become harder to afford. This moment presents a critical opportunity for progressive leaders to unite around an agenda that lowers costs, drives economic growth through the green transition, and proves that democracy can deliver.
As the authoritarian playbook is being implemented around the world to divide societies, exploit insecurity, and weaponize basic rights, the progressive alternative must be equally clear––bold leadership that delivers security and prosperity for all.
On the Global Progress Action Report
The Global Progress Action Report is conducted by Global Progress Action at the Center for American Progress Action Fund and Datapraxis. The annual poll examines key issues shaping public opinion including democracy, the economy, security, and climate change. The survey was carried out by YouGov in August and September 2025. Respondents were polled in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Poland, France, Australia, and Spain. Surveys were conducted in local languages.