Public Disapproval of José Antonio Kast Reaches 49% Amid Declining Approval Ratings

Original article: 49% desaprueba a Kast: cae por tercera semana y no logra repuntar

The evaluation of José Antonio Kast’s government continues its downward trend, as indicated by the latest Agenda Criteria Survey released on Sunday, marking a decline in approval ratings for the third consecutive week.

The poll, conducted between April 8 and 9, 2026, via an online panel, revealed that 36% approve of his administration, representing a six-point percentage drop from the previous measurement (42%). Meanwhile, his disapproval now stands at 49%, which is an increase of three percentage points from the 46% recorded last week.

In addition, 15% of respondents expressed uncertainty regarding their approval or disapproval of the right-wing leader’s management.

The Agenda Criteria Survey also examined public opinion regarding the management of the «emergency» situation established by the president and government officials, through which a series of controversial measures have been justified, including a 3% budget cut to ministries, a historic increase in fuel prices, referred to as the «gasoline hike,» and the decision to limit free university education exclusively to students under 30. This is coupled with increased financial persecution of borrowers under the State Guaranteed Credit (CAE) and tax cuts for businesses, all while the rate of homicides related to organized crime rises.

According to the opinion study—which included a total of 805 cases from women and men aged 18 and older across socioeconomic levels ABCD, from all over the country—35% believe that the path taken by the Executive is correct, reflecting a 3 percentage point decrease compared to the previous report, thus continuing the downward trend observed in earlier measurements.

Conversely, 44% of respondents indicated that the strategy employed by Kast and his ministers is incorrect, marking a one percentage point increase from the previous survey.

The poll also assessed citizens’ economic expectations, and when asked, «Thinking about the near future, do you think that in six months the country’s economic situation will be worse, better, or the same as now?» 43% responded that they anticipate a worsening situation in the next six months, a significant increase compared to the 23% recorded in mid-March.

This negative perception is also reflected in projections regarding the economic situation of households, as 33% believe it will be worse than the current situation, while 36% do not foresee the possibility of finding a job or improving their current position.

For more details, access the full content of the Agenda Criteria Survey published on April 12: