More than half of Europeans and two thirds of Portuguese believe the austerity measures implemented since the beginning of the economic crisis have failed, according to a recent survey by consulting company Gallup.
The company interviewed more than 6,177 people across Europe between September 13 and 23.
For 51% of the Europeans surveyed, austerity has proved itself an ineffective solution, while 34% believe it needs more time to show its benefits, and only 5% find it the adequate measure.
Portugal is placed among the countries with the highest disapproval rates, registering 68%, behind Greece with 80%, but ahead of Cyprus with 64%.
Those surveyed also supported alternatives to austerity.
An average of 60% of the Europeans quizzed said there are better alternatives to austerity. In Portugal, a majority of 81% shared the same opinion.
José Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, told Euronews that austerity alone would not work and expressed his understanding of the Europeans’ disapproval concerning austerity.
“Our policy is not based only on fiscal consolidation. It is based on structural reforms for competitiveness and based on investments,” said Barroso. “It’s why the Commission has been fighting for a budget at a European level that promotes investment and growth. So I can agree with all of those who say that fiscal consolidation will not solve the problem.”
