The Paradox of Kast: Security Concerns Dominate, Yet 54% Rate His Management Poorly

Original article: La paradoja de Kast: seguridad lidera las preocupaciones, pero 54% evalúa peor de lo esperado su gestión en esa materia

The government of José Antonio Kast is navigating a challenging landscape as security remains the foremost concern for Chileans, yet over half the population assesses the president’s performance in this area as worse than expected.

According to the latest Agenda Criteria survey, 28% of respondents view improving security as the most urgent action the country must undertake, followed by public health (16%), jobs and salaries (15%), economic revitalization (12%), corruption (8%), education (6%), immigration (5%), political system (4%), pension system (3%), mental health (2%), and gender equality (1%).

The survey, conducted on August 16 through an online panel, also asked respondents whether they prioritize freedom or security. A notable 73% favored security, reflecting a five-point increase from 2022.

This result spans various political factions, with 86% support among those identifying with the right, 68% in the center, 51% on the left, and 80% of those not aligning with any of these groups.

54% Rate Government’s Security Management Worse Than Expected

Despite the significant importance of security among citizens’ concerns, the survey revealed that 54% believe Kast’s administration has performed worse or much worse than anticipated in terms of security and crime control. In contrast, only 19% believe it has been better or much better, illustrating a 35-point disparity between these perceptions, while 27% feel it has met their expectations.

47% Say Immigration Control Management is «Worse or Much Worse Than Expected»

Regarding immigration control, the opinion poll indicated that 47% claim that the far-right president’s management has been «worse or much worse than expected», while 25% feel it has been «better or much better,» and 28% report it has neither improved nor worsened from their expectations.

Kast’s Promises of Order Are Falling Apart

The Criteria Survey, conducted on August 13 among 802 individuals aged 18 and older across various socioeconomic levels in the country, presents a strongly negative outlook for José Antonio Kast, particularly regarding his management of security and immigration control—two areas that should represent his strengths, as they are central to his government agenda but are instead becoming sources of public frustration.

The data clearly indicate that the public’s confidence in the president’s ability to «restore order», a key promise of his electoral campaign where he pledged to erect border walls, strengthen security forces, and expel 300,000 migrants, is crumbling. Following inadequate results, he ultimately admitted it was merely a «metaphor.»

Kast’s Disapproval Reaches 55%

The opinion study shows that Kast’s approval ratings have plateaued at 35%, remaining stagnant for three consecutive weeks between 34% and 35%. Meanwhile, disapproval has risen by three percentage points, now standing at 55%.