It's grim up north

Mark Mardell|08:40 UK time, Wednesday, 27 May 2009

Why bother to vote if you think it doesn't change anything, and politicians are all a bunch of liars? That seems to be the conclusion, depressing for politicians at least, of a survey of European countries ahead of the elections to the European Parliament.

The German-based Foundation for Future Studies (curiously funded by British American Tobacco) has come up with an interesting opinion poll after speaking to 10,000 people in eight of the EU countries.

Asked why the turnout in elections was going down, 60% of those questioned said people thought election promises were not kept (63% in the UK), 49% that numbers bothering to vote had decreased because people felt their vote didn't influence anything (54% UK) and 57% because of general dissatisfaction with politicians and political parties (63% UK).

The interviews were conducted in March, so the greater than average British cynicism cannot be laid at the door of the duck house (MPs' expenses). The question is a little odd, asking people to second-guess the reasoning of others. They were asked their view of why turnout has gone down, rather than their own reasons for voting or not voting. In theory one could be part of the 60% while firmly believing all politicians kept all their election promises.

Still, it's interesting to note that in Spain and Italy, where turnout is higher, there appears to be greater faith in the system and in politicians. There's least in Poland and Finland. Chuck in the UK and it may say more about a characteristic of north European pessimism, rather than southern probity or effectiveness.

And hands up who loves liberty? Ah yes, it goes with equality and fraternity doesn't it? Three-quarters of French agree "the freedom of the individual citizen must be maintained under all circumstances - so long as this does not have a negative effect on any other citizen". Only a third of Brits agreed with this heavily qualified assertion that freedom is, on the whole, a good thing.