Instituutioihin kohdistuvan luottamuksen ja koronapandemiaan liittyvien rajoitustoimenpiteiden dynamiikat Suomessa

Abstract

Governance of the COVID-19 pandemic is based on the premise that as many citizens as possible follow guidelines and restrictions set by authorities. Successful implementation of these has depended on citizens’ trust. This study examines the dynamics between changes in citizens’ trust in institutions, changes in COVID-19 related restrictions, and changes in the number of COVID-19 cases in Finland between May 2020 and January 2022 using a visual timeline. Changes in citizens’ trust in institutions are evident between surveys, but no clear link between changes in trust and restrictions is evident. Measuring citizen trust during crises is important, as changes can provide governments with information on citizens’ views of the legitimacy and success of crisis leadership, governance, and ultimately, the political system.