Kast’s Approval Plummets to 32% as Discontent Grows Over Security and Economic Promises

Original article: Kast toca fondo en Criteria: aprobación cae a 32%, rechazo sube a 55% y retroceden sus promesas de seguridad y economía

Citizen approval of President José Antonio Kast’s performance has declined once again. According to the latest edition of the Criteria Criteria, his support has dropped to 32%, marking a three percentage point decline from the previous survey, while his security and economic promises falter.

This result signifies the lowest approval rating for his administration since the far-right leader took office, indicating a significant downward trend. Kast’s approval was at 39% at the end of June and 35% in early July; concurrently, public disapproval of his government rose by two points to 55%, reaching its highest negative mark since mid-March.

Promises of Security and Economic Growth Unravel

The public opinion survey published on Sunday, which included a total sample of 801 participants across gender and socio-economic backgrounds nationwide, revealed that all attributes of the president have deteriorated since the last measurement in May. Notably, his perceived ability to be the leader the country needs plummeted by 8 points (from 42% to 34%).

The Criteria Agenda assessed public perception of Kast’s administration and revealed declines in two key areas of his narrative: the ability to grow the economy now stands at 48%, down by 6 points, and providing security for the country is at 42%, also reflecting a 6-point drop. Similarly, the evaluation of whether his government knows how to address crime fell from 44% to 39%.

Major Reform Benefits Large Corporations

The poll conducted on July 12 via an online panel also asked respondents about their views on the economic-tax reform pushed by the far-right, and 37% believe its effects will be «mostly positive for the country,» a decrease of one point since the last survey.

Concurrently, negative perceptions have risen to 35%, an increase of two points from the previous poll, while those who are undecided account for 28%.

Regarding who would be the primary beneficiaries of this controversial initiative, currently under consideration in Congress, 47% believe that the law primarily aims to benefit large companies and those with higher incomes. In contrast, 35% suggest it could promote job creation, while 18% do not take a stance on either of these two positions.