A new survey by IMAS polling institute describes Austrians’ outlook for the upcoming year as “cautiously optimistic.” According to the study presented on Thursday, 33 percent of respondents are skeptical, and 27 percent are concerned, while 34 percent expressed confidence. Inflation, rising prices, wars, and the political situation are dampening the mood.

However, it seems that the worst years are behind. The 2024 survey already showed a slight improvement in mood, and this trend, though modest, continued in the current New Year’s poll. The overall share of pessimists decreased from 65 to 61 percent, while those approaching 2025 with hope increased from 31 to 34 percent. Despite this improvement, confidence still remains below the historical average of 44 percent in the annual survey, which has been conducted since 1972.

While pessimists are weighed down by multiple crises, 42 percent of the hopeful respondents said their fundamentally positive outlook on life keeps them from despair. Twelve percent are “pragmatic optimists,” believing that things can only improve from here.

One-Third of Austrians Have New Year’s Resolutions

As with any New Year’s survey, the question of New Year’s resolutions is also included, though only one-third of respondents reported having made any resolutions. Leading the list is a healthier lifestyle, with 46 percent aiming to exercise more. Forty-one percent said they wanted to take better care of themselves and eat healthier. Thirty-four percent intend to spend more time with family and friends. According to the survey, the chances of fulfilling New Year’s resolutions in 2024 seem favorable: 20 percent of Austrians said they had largely fulfilled their resolutions for the year, and 57 percent said they had at least partially done so.