Satisfaction with policy
The lower the administrative level, the higher the satisfaction with the policy
Satisfaction with the policy was highest at the lower administrative levels in spring 2025 among the population of the Flemish Region aged 18 and over. On a scale of 0 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied), the population’s average satisfaction with policy was 6.1 at local government, 5.6 at provincial government, 5.4 at Flemish government and 4.9 at federal government. Satisfaction with the European government averaged 4.8.
At almost all policy levels, satisfaction decreased between 2021 and 2022. In 2023, 2024 and 2025 satisfaction was slightly higher again. Only in European government did satisfaction remain more or less stable over the years.
Comparable figures on satisfaction with policy for the period before 2021 are not available.
Higher educated more satisfied with local policy
In 2025, higher educated were more satisfied with local policy than medium educated. The differences in the other background characteristics are not significant.
Women, 18 to 34 year olds and people over 65 more satisfied with provincial policy
In spring 2025, women were more satisfied with provincial policy than men. In addition, satisfaction with provincial policy was higher among those aged under 35 and over 65 than among those aged 50 to 64. There were no significant differences for the other background characteristics.
Older persons somewhat more satisfied with Flemish policy, medium educated less
People aged 65 and over were more satisfied with the policy of the Flemish government than the other age groups in 2025. In addition, satisfaction with Flemish policy was significantly lower among those with medium education than among the highly educated. Otherwise, there are no significant differences in satisfaction with the Flemish government’s policy based on background characteristics.
Women and people over 65 more satisfied with federal policy
Women were more satisfied with federal policy than men in 2025. In addition, people aged 65 and over were more satisfied with federal policy than those aged 35 to 64. There are no significant differences in terms of other background characteristics.
Youth, women and higher educated more satisfied with European policy
Women were somewhat more satisfied with European policy than men in 2025. In addition, young people are more satisfied than the older age groups. Furthermore, satisfaction with European policy is higher among high educated people than among medium and low educated.
Sources
- Statistics Flanders: