Original article: Kast toca fondo en Criteria: desaprobación sube a 53% y marca su peor cifra desde que asumió

Kast’s Approval Plummets to 53%, Worst Rating Since Taking Office

The approval rating for José Antonio Kast’s administration has hit an all-time low, reaching a staggering 53%. This figure, reported in the latest Agenda Criteria survey published on Sunday, marks the worst approval rating since the far-right leader assumed the presidency of Chile on March 11.

The poll, conducted on May 14, 2026, through an online panel, revealed that the disapproval of his management rose by 2 percentage points (p.p.) compared to the 51% recorded just a week prior.

Meanwhile, 9% of respondents reported being unsure about their approval or disapproval of his management, while approval stands at 38%, an increase of 2 p.p.

The Criteria survey also examined public perception regarding the handling of the so-called «emergency situation», which both Kast and his government officials have used to justify a series of controversial measures, including a 3% budget cut to various ministries, a historic spike in fuel prices dubbed the «gasoline hike», limiting university gratuity solely to students under 30, increasing financial pressure on state-guaranteed loan debtors, and implementing tax cuts for companies, all while homicide rates linked to organized crime rise.

According to the opinion study, which involved a sample of 1,002 individuals aged 18 and older across socio-economic levels A to D from all regions of the country, 46% believe the government has acted incorrectly. Meanwhile, 36% (-1 p.p.) agreed with the strategy employed by Kast and his ministers.

46% Believe Kast’s Mega-Reform Benefits Large Corporations

The Criteria survey also focused on how citizens perceive the economic and tax mega-reform promoted by Kast’s administration. It revealed that 48% believe it primarily benefits large corporations and high-income individuals.

The survey indicated that the project—which includes controversial measures such as a decrease in the corporate tax rate from 27% to 23%, the elimination of the capital gains tax, the introduction of a tax credit for formal employment, and a 25-year tax stability for investments over US$50 million—is opposed by 32% of those surveyed, while 31% have no defined stance, and 36% are in support.

Additionally, 35% believe the measures aim to create jobs for the general population, while 17% do not align with either of the two predominant views on the controversial project.

76% Believe Expulsion Promise Was Serious, Not a «Metaphor»

The survey also assessed how the public interpreted José Antonio Kast’s statements, where he claimed that his election promise to expel irregular migrants should be understood as a metaphor rather than literally.

According to the results, 76% of respondents believed his statements were concrete and serious promises. This perception was stronger among individuals identifying with the left, reaching 94% (+18 points). In contrast, only 16% felt these promises should be interpreted symbolically rather than literally, a sentiment that increased to 29% among those identifying with the right.