Some 93% of the Dutch think democracy is the best way to run a country and 75% are satisfied with the way democracy operates in the Netherlands, according to a new report from the government’s institute for social policy SCP.

However, half the population are unhappy with the way the Dutch government functions, the report, which is based on a compilation of previous research, shows. The report was commissioned by the home affairs ministry.

There is a narrow majority in favour of using referendums to reach the most important decisions but only 22% consider referendums a better way of representing the views of ordinary people than the current form of political organisation. In addition, 55% back allowing people to directly elect their own mayors. These are currently crown appointments.

When asked about what democracy means, ‘freedom’ comes out just on top of the list with 34%, above solidarity (15%) and voting rights (33%). Young people and those with high levels of education are more likely to associate democracy with decision-making than others.