Chileans 'returning to believe' in institutions, public trust survey finds

Public trust in traditional institutions in Chile is on the rise, according to a recent study by the Center for Public Studies (CEP). The findings reveal a "return to belief" among citizens regarding traditional institutions, a significant shift after a period of declining confidence.

The Police of Investigations (PDI) emerged as the most trusted public institution, garnering a 63% approval rating. Close behind are universities at 61%, followed by the Carabineros (national police force) at 58%, the Armed Forces at 57%, and radio stations at 50%.

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In this survey, we can see that citizens are somehow returning to trust those institutions that for a long period did not enjoy much confidence.

Alfonso España, a CEP researcher, noted in an interview that this uptick in trust is particularly striking given the current context. He observed that citizens are also showing increased identification with political parties and reaffirming democracy as the preferred form of government. This suggests a broader societal movement towards re-engaging with and valuing established civic structures.

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it is a rather striking fact, considering that in some way it is inscribed in a context in which citizens are also identifying more with political parties, returning to say that democracy is the best.