Economic Concerns and Cost of Living Emerge as Key Issues for Kast’s Government: 58% Report Decline in Growth and Jobs

Original article: Economía y costo de la vida se consolidan como foco de malestar con el Gobierno de Kast: 58% percibe retroceso en crecimiento y empleo

Economic concerns and the rising cost of living have solidified as the main source of discontent among citizens regarding the government of José Antonio Kast, according to the latest edition of the Data Influye survey conducted by TúInfluyes.

As of September 2026, 58% of respondents feel that under the far-right administration, there has been a regression in economic growth and employment.

One of the most striking findings from the study highlights respondents’ perceptions regarding which areas have declined, remained the same, or improved since Kast took office. 56% reported that they believe inflation and the cost of living have worsened, while 30% thought the situation had remained unchanged, and 13% indicated it had improved.

The greatest perceptions of decline are also evident in environmental and sustainable development (51%), reduction of public spending and state efficiency (46%), and combatting drug trafficking and organized crime (41%).

According to Data Influye, 54% of respondents aged 18 to 34 believe that the country is moving backward in terms of economic growth and job creation. This perception is similarly held by citizens aged 35 to 54 (57%) and those 55 and older (63%).

The concern regarding lack of economic growth and job creation is widely distributed across different socioeconomic groups, but it reaches its highest levels among segments ABC1, C2, and C3, at 69%, 63%, and 59%, respectively.

In terms of inflation and cost of living, the negative perception is prevalent among segments ABC1, C2, and C3, with 66% and 60%, respectively.

Meanwhile, the highest appreciation of inflation and living costs is reported in the Central Zone (59%), followed by the Southern Zone (57%) and the Northern Zone (51%).

Inflation and Cost of Living Could Politically Undermine Kast’s Government

Additionally, when asked what could politically weaken the government, inflation and the rising cost of living were cited first, with 30% of mentions, followed by the nature of the President’s leadership at 19% and rising unemployment at 16%.

24% of respondents from Data Influye aged 18 to 34 believe that inflation and the increase in the cost of living are factors that could weaken Kast’s administration. This viewpoint is shared by 35% of respondents aged 35 to 54 and 31% of those 55 and older.

The survey was conducted between September 17 and 21, 2026, and included 1,216 successful interviews with individuals over 18 from various regions of the country, via a non-probabilistic online panel.