Global Economic Perspectives by Political Affiliation

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Insights on Economic Perceptions Worldwide

Economic Views and Political Shifts

Around the globe, perceptions of the economy are influenced by various factors. Public opinion often reacts to economic upheavals. Interestingly, political events, especially elections, can significantly sway these views.

Survey Findings

This analysis delves into global economic attitudes, primarily using surveys from 25 countries conducted this spring, alongside data from 36 nations surveyed last spring. Notably, these surveys took place before U.S. President Donald Trump announced extensive tariffs in April. You can find more about the methodology on Pew Research’s site.

Survey Methodology Overview

How We Conducted the Research

Our exploration draws on extensive surveys across several countries:

• 2025 Data: 24 countries from January to April, covering a wide geographical span including Canada, France, and the UK, using phone interviews. In countries like Argentina and Kenya, face-to-face interviews were conducted. In Australia, a mixed-mode online approach was used.
• 2024 Data: Similar coverage with face-to-face methods in nations like India and Brazil.
• In the U.S., both years involved the American Trends Panel, ensuring wide demographic representation.

See the full survey questions and methodology here.

Political Influence on Economic Views

Support for Parties in Power

In nearly every country surveyed in 2025, supporters of the ruling party were more likely to perceive the economy positively. For instance, in Greece, 71% of New Democracy supporters saw the economy as sound, versus only 9% of their opponents.

Changes Post-Elections

Economic optimism often shifts following elections. This section examines nations with power transitions between surveys.

• United States: After the 2024 elections, 50% of Republicans viewed the economy favourably, a substantial increase. Conversely, Democratic optimism plummeted.

• United Kingdom: Labour’s 2024 victory led to doubling economic optimism among its supporters. Meanwhile, Conservative views held steady.

• Italy: The Brothers of Italy saw a notable rise in economic positivity among their supporters post-2022 election.

• Australia: The Liberal-National coalition’s loss led to decreased optimism among its supporters in 2023.

• Mexico: Morena’s victory surged economic positivity from 25% to 54% among its followers in 2019.

• France: En Marche’s support tripled in economic optimism after Emmanuel Macron’s election.

Economic Performance and Perceptions

The Influence of Economic Metrics

Contrary to expectation, perceptions of the economy may not always align with GDP growth or unemployment figures. However, long-term economic outlooks do show some correlation with GDP growth.

In countries like India, with significant GDP growth, optimism about future generations’ prosperity is higher. Conversely, Japan, with less growth, sees more pessimism.

For a broader context on how economic inequality is perceived globally, read more here.

Economic Shocks and Opinion Shifts

Economic downturns can drastically alter public opinion. During the 2008 financial crisis, and more recently with COVID-19, both left and right-wing views became more negative in countries like Germany, Spain, and the UK.

More on the impact of economic changes can be found in a global survey.

Note: For detailed survey questions and methodology, visit here.