Popular trust in the Swedish Armed Forces at an all-time high

By: Translation by: Johanna Toll | Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters – 8 March 2023 kl: 14.09
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Of all Swedish public agencies, the Swedish Armed Forces is top-ranked as regards popular confidence. This is evident from the annual Confidence Barometer that ranks the people's trust and confidence in institutions, parties, mass media and companies.

Two soldiers on a bridge in central Stockholm
Two soldiers on a bridge in central Stockholm
The Swedish Armed Forces has been more visible in society, something that may have contributed to the rise in public trust. Photo: Louise Stagling/Swedish Armed Forces

"The uncertain security policy situation and the war in Ukraine have made people aware of the importance of defence will and a strong military defence. The Swedish people's high level of trust and confidence in the Swedish Armed Forces is good for our joint efforts", says Chief of Defence Micael Bydén.

67 per cent say that they have great or quite a lot of trust in the Swedish Armed Forces, which is the highest number of all public agencies.  In second place come the Swedish Tax Agency and the Security Police with 65 per cent, closely followed by the Swedish Public Health Agency with 64 per cent.

"The high level of trust in the Swedish Armed Forces is a result of all the hard work that our personnel and volunteers do on a daily basis", says Micael Bydén.

The Mediaakademins Confidence Barometer has been carried out every year since 1997. The 2023 poll comprises 1 201 web-based interviews with people 16 years and older. This year's poll was carried out by Kantar Public.