Kast Faces Pressure on Security: 42% Criticize Lack of Planning, 49% Oppose State of Emergency Proposal

Original article: Kast bajo presión en seguridad: 42% acusa improvisación y 49% rechaza estado de excepción

The administration of José Antonio Kast is grappling with significant public discontent regarding its security strategy developed at La Moneda. According to the latest Agenda Criteria survey, a 42% cite a lack of clear planning, while 49% reject the proposal to establish a new constitutional state of emergency.

The survey, conducted on August 30, 2026, queried 811 participants over the age of 18 from socioeconomic levels ABCD across the nation about their views on the ultra-rightist administration’s security plan. The findings revealed that 42% feel the government «lacks a clear security plan and is improvising»; meanwhile, 30% believe they have some ideas, but not a solid plan, 19% think there is a defined strategy, and 9% remain undecided.

According to the study, conducted via an online panel, 44% of respondents identifying as right-leaning support the president’s security plan, whereas 87% of those identifying with the left hold a negative view, and 44% of centrists expressed opposition to the initiative.

The Criteria Survey also examined public opinion regarding Kast’s proposal to initiate a constitutional reform aimed at creating a new state of emergency focused on public security. This reform would grant powers similar to those compelled during an external war, without requiring congressional approval for 240 days, effectively extending to eight months.

During this period, Kast would possess the authority to implement extraordinary measures and restrict rights such as assembly, personal liberty—allowing arrests without warrants—freedom of movement, and association; he would manage various communications, potentially including internet communications with today’s technology; and could requisition goods, infringing upon property rights. All of this could be enacted without judicial orders, dependent on the president’s and the charge Carabineros’ authority’s decisions.

This proposal has sparked an intense debate about balancing security and democratic safeguards. The survey indicates a strong 49% opposition, while 40% expressed agreement with its establishment, and 11% are uncertain.

The negative perception of the state of emergency reaches 85% among those identifying as leftists and 60% among centrists. In contrast, support among right-leaning individuals stands at 72%, with disagreement at 23%.

The Criteria Survey revealed on Sunday that President Kast’s approval rating has dropped to
33%, reflecting a two percentage point decline from the previous week, while the disapproval rating climbed by 3 points to 55%.