The first six months of President José Antonio Kast’s administration have been marked by declining public approval and shifting priorities among Chilean citizens. According to the latest Cadem survey conducted in September, a significant portion of the population feels that the government has not met their expectations.
The survey reveals that 62% of respondents believe the government has been worse than expected while only 8% think it has performed better. This marks a notable decline from earlier expectations, highlighting the challenges faced by the administration.
Public Perception and Government Performance
The government’s performance has been evaluated on a scale of 1 to 7, with an average rating of 3.4. 51% of respondents rated the government between 1 and 3, indicating dissatisfaction. In contrast, only 19% gave ratings between 6 and 7, showing a clear divide in public opinion.
The survey also identified key areas of concern. The reduction of public spending and fiscal accountability were seen as the primary achievements, with 17% of respondents acknowledging these efforts. However, the increase in fuel prices was cited as the biggest mistake, with 38% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction.
Economic Concerns and Shifting Priorities
The survey highlights a significant shift in public priorities. In March, 67% of respondents prioritized economy and employment but this figure has risen to 79% in recent months. Conversely, concerns about security, crime, and drug trafficking have decreased from 61% to 33%.
The economic outlook remains bleak, with 85% of respondents believing the economy is stagnant or declining. Additionally, 88% rate the employment situation as poor or very poor indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the economic policies.
Internal Government Reactions and Future Steps
Within the government, there is recognition of the need for swift action. A recent committee meeting involving parties from Chile VamosRepublicanosUDI and RN discussed the urgency of addressing the unemployment crisis. The meeting proposed accelerating short-term initiatives and considering a new employment subsidy to mitigate the economic challenges.
Despite the declining approval ratings, the government maintains that its megareforma and security agenda will yield results in the coming years. However, the political landscape demands quicker solutions to address immediate concerns.
The government’s initial promise of a gobierno de emergencia has faced significant hurdles, particularly with the increase in fuel prices and the rising unemployment rate. While there have been some positive developments in security the economic challenges remain a pressing issue.
As the government approaches the halfway mark of its first year, the focus will be on implementing measures to improve the economic situation and regain public trust. The coming months will be crucial in determining the administration’s ability to meet the expectations of the Chilean people.
