Two polls published on Sunday, March 29, show declining approval for President José Antonio Kast less than three weeks into his term amid a historic fuel price hike crisis. Cadem reported 51% disapproval against 43% approval, while Criteria found 47% disapproval versus 43% approval.
The Plaza Pública Cadem poll, published by La Tercera, recorded a two-point rise in President Kast's disapproval to 51%, exceeding half of respondents for the first time. Approval dropped four points to 43%. Sixty percent of those surveyed believe the fuel price hike was avoidable, and 72% preferred a gradual implementation.
The Criteria poll, also released that day, showed disapproval (47%) surpassing approval (43%) for the first time, with approval down seven points and disapproval up ten from March 22. Sixty-four percent trust the government's justifications for the hike little or not at all, and 34% blame the current administration primarily.
Both polls highlight the fuel price surge's impact, with Cadem noting 37% citing fiscal constraints and Criteria attributing 42% to international factors like the Middle East war. The government faces communication criticism: only 43% per Cadem believe it has clearly explained the crisis reasons.
On student protests against the government, Cadem found 40% support and 57% disagreement. Criteria measured support for withdrawing Michelle Bachelet's UN candidacy, with 46% in favor.
