Austria's democracy index drops for 4th consecutive year: Study

Austria’s Democracy Index has declined for the fourth consecutive year, according to a report presented Tuesday by a coalition of 10 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) assessing the government and parliament’s efforts to uphold liberal democracy.

The index fell to 54.1%, down one percentage point from last year and approaching its lowest level since 2019, when it stood at 53.8%.

The assessment of democratic conditions is published annually.

The index is structured around seven pillars: Sovereign, Political Parties, Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Media and Civil Society, each comprising several chapters.

The sharp decline of four percentage points in the Judiciary category compared to the previous year is attributed to a shortage of permanent positions, poor conditions in the penal and correctional systems, and the inadequate or lack of implementation by the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Deterioration was observed in eight of a total of 16 chapters. In addition to the judiciary, this trend is evident in the Sovereign category—specifically regarding fundamental rights in general, with a headscarf ban for girls under 14 in schools and prison overcrowding cited as reasons, and digital fundamental rights.

The downward trend in the Media category, which has persisted for years, also continued. The index cites the lack of a law against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), opportunities for political influence over the public broadcaster ORF, and economic pressure in the media sector as reasons for the deterioration.

The organizers of the Democracy Index also called for greater transparency in parliament, particularly regarding the income and financial interests of its members.

“A resilient democracy needs politicians who transparently disclose whose interests they represent and how they vote,” said Marion Breitschopf of the NGO Meine Abgeordneten (My Representatives) in the study.