In July this year, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published a survey on the trust of citizens in public institutions in 30 OECD countries. The survey shows that by 2023, the trust of the Latvian population in the courts and the judicial system has risen to 48%. Historically, this is the highest result since Latvia regained its independence.
"The measures taken in recent years to strengthen and develop the judicial system, the introduction of new selection procedures of judges, the adoption of guidelines for judgment writing and stricter control of deadlines have had an impact and people can feel it. This means that we are strategically on the right track," said Aigars Strupišs, Chair of the Judicial Council and President of the Supreme Court.
Since 2021, the Latvian public's trust in the courts and the judicial system has increased from 43% to 48%. Other people are trusted slightly more - 60%, and the police - 52%. Around 40% of Latvians trust international organisations and local governments, as well as the civil service and the media.
The OECD survey also looks more broadly at trust in government among Latvians and in other OECD countries. In 2023, 29% of Latvians indicated high or moderate trust in government, which is below the OECD average of 39%. The lowest levels of trust are in the legislature - 25% and in political parties - 13%. At the same time, there is a positive trend in public trust in policy-makers and the media.
This is the second OECD survey on public trust in public institutions published since 2021. For more information on the 2024 OECD survey on public trust in public institutions in Latvia, please visit the OECD website.