Austrians Expect Little Positive from Second Trump Term

45 percent of Austrians expect negative impacts on world peace and security from Trump's second term, 52 percent on global democracy, 53 on the global economy, and 54 percent on EU-US relations, according to a Gallup poll.

Second Trump Term: Austrians Concerned About "America First"

In contrast, only 19 percent of Austrians believe that relations between the United States and Europe will improve over the next four years under Trump. Only 18 percent see a boost for democracy. 22 percent believe it will get better for the world economy. Still, 31 percent hope for positive effects on peace and security. "Trump's 'America First' approach and his attacks on the media and democratic institutions are also being followed with concern in Austria. However, his promise to ensure peace in Ukraine fills some people with hope," commented Andrea Fronaschütz, head of the Austrian Gallup Institute, on the survey results in a press release.

Austrians Expect China to Benefit from Trump's "America First"

Which major powers will gain strength in the next four years of the Trump administration's announced "America first"? 67 percent of Austrians see China at an advantage in this question, only 46 the USA itself. 35 percent predict more influence for India, 27 percent for Russia, 20 percent for Japan. The EU and Great Britain with its "Special Relationship" are clearly lagging behind: Only 17 percent of respondents expect a strengthening of the EU, only seven percent a strengthening of Great Britain. Conversely, 50 percent of Austrians see the Brits at a disadvantage, 42 percent the EU, followed by Russia with 39 percent. Even for Japan (26 percent), the outlook is predominantly negative. For India, the USA and China, there is a majority that expects more influence each.

The survey was conducted before Christmas - well before Trump's inauguration on Monday and the wave of presidential decrees he immediately issued - between December 17 and 29 of last year, with 1,000 Austrians aged 16 and over being surveyed. Quite a few participants were undecided or did not want to comment on all questions. In the question block on the effects of Trump's rule on certain areas, this group made up between 25 and 30 percent. Thus, 17 percent expect no impact on democracy in the world and 13 percent of respondents did not provide any information, so a total of 30 percent. In the question block on the major powers, between six (for USA) and twelve percent (Japan and India) did not want to give an answer and between 16 (for China) and 42 percent (Japan) see constant influence. For the EU, in addition to the 17 percent for "more influence" and the 42 percent "less influence", 33 percent with "just as much influence", eight percent refused to answer.

(APA/Red)

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