I’ve been eagerly awaiting Cadem’s polling from the past weekend, the first from the public polling firm since curfew was imposed. Here I translate some figures from the latest report from Saturday, 25 October (available here in Spanish).
Key results (my summary):
President Sebastian Piñera’s handling of the crisis is historically unpopular. Approval of Piñera hit an all-time low of 14%, while disapproval hit an all-time high of 78%. A majority disapprove of Piñera across all demographics—which include age groups, social classes, and political inclinations. Poor management is listed as the leading reason for disapproval. Approval of Piñera’s cabinet hit a low of 11%, while disapproval hit a high of 80%. These levels have not been seen since Bachelet’s second term.
Most (72%) view the crisis as “an expression of generalized social discontent.” Similarly, the most common reason cited for acts of violence is social discontent, followed by low pensions. “Enact social change” is viewed as the main course of action the government should take, followed by “improve pensions.”
A majority of Chileans take a favorable view of efforts to restore law and order. A majority are in favor of the decision to declare a curfew (55%) and a State of Emergency/martial law (49%). The use of violence and vandalism of the Metro, as well as looting of commercial establishments, are almost universally condemned. Majorities approve of the behavior of the Carabineros (52%), Navy (47%), and Army (47%).
Political parties in the crisis are deeply unpopular. Most disapprove of the behavior of the various political coalitions and parties during the crisis, with little variation based on political orientation; no coalition/party surpasses 16% approval, nor falls below 64% disapproval.
My translations of select figures follow.
