Criteria Survey Reveals Public Discontent with Kast’s International Decisions on Bachelet and Americas Shield

Original article: Escudo de las Américas, ONU y Bachelet: Criteria expone fuerte malestar con decisiones internacionales del Gobierno de Kast

The latest edition of the Criteria Agenda survey revealed significant public discontent regarding international decisions made by the José Antonio Kast administration, such as Chile’s accession to the Americas Shield mechanism, the withdrawal of support for Michelle Bachelet‘s candidacy for the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, and the president’s participation in the General Assembly of the international organization.

According to the opinion study conducted between September 24 and 25, 2026—via an online panel with a sample of 802 men and women aged 18 and older from socioeconomic levels ABCD—a 67% of respondents reported being aware of Chile’s accession to the mechanism, while 33% claimed to be uninformed.

Among those who are aware of the decision, 42% disagreed or strongly disagreed with Chile joining the alliance promoted by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, 37% supported it, and 21% remained neutral.

When analyzing results by political identification, the survey showed that 64% of conservatives support the accession, while 84% of those on the left expressed disagreement. Among centrists, 41% opposed the decision while 33% supported it.

Chile’s accession to the Americas Shield occurred amidst concerns about the abandonment of foreign policy autonomy and potential ceding of sovereignty in security and defense matters. Additionally, a group of lawmakers has demanded clarity from La Moneda regarding the extent of this measure and the coordination that will be established with the other countries involved in the initiative, considering a document published by the U.S. State Department revealed that beyond coordination to combat organized crime, the mechanism encompasses economic matters, such as supply chains for critical materials, which exceed the realm of public safety.

Opposition to Withdrawal of Support for Bachelet’s Candidacy

The Criteria survey also addressed the government’s decision to withdraw support for former president Michelle Bachelet’s candidacy for the UN Secretary-General, revealing that 43% expressed disagreement or strong disagreement with this measure, while 37% agreed or strongly agreed. Another 17% did not take a position, and the remaining 3% lacked a clear opinion.

Negative Assessment of Kast’s Participation at the UN

Another topic covered by the poll was José Antonio Kast’s recent participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly. A total of 69% reported having heard or read about it, while 31% said they had not.

Among those who declared awareness, 42% rated the president’s speech as «very bad or bad,» while 33% considered it «very good or good».

Meanwhile, 25% viewed Kast’s participation as «neither good nor bad».

Considering the political leanings of respondents, Agenda Criteria revealed that 86% of those identifying as left-wing evaluated the president’s participation negatively, while 8% deemed it neither good nor bad and 6% viewed it positively.

Among those who identify as right-wing, 60% rated it positively, 32% said it was neither good nor bad, and 8% offered a negative assessment.

Among those identifying as centrists, 23% rated the participation as positive, 35% viewed it as neither good nor bad, and 42% rated it negatively.

For those without political identification, 33% positively assessed Kast’s participation, 32% regarded it as neither good nor bad, and 35% perceived it negatively.