Criteria: approval of President Kast reaches 33% and disapproval reaches 55%

President José Antonio Kast’s approval rating has fallen to 33 percent, according to a recent survey by Criteria, while his disapproval rate climbed to 55 percent. The poll, based on data collected over five weeks in August with 4,042 respondents, shows a decline of two percentage points in support since the previous week. Meanwhile, opposition to his leadership increased by three points. Among voters who supported Kast in the second round of the presidential election, 66 percent still back him, compared to just 2 percent among those who voted for Jeannette Jara. The survey highlights growing concerns over Kast’s handling of security issues. Forty-two percent of respondents believe the government lacks a clear plan and is acting on the fly, while 30 percent think it has some ideas but no coherent strategy. Nineteen percent feel the administration has a clear plan, down three points from earlier. Right-leaning individuals are more likely to see a structured approach, 40 percent, while left-leaning respondents overwhelmingly believe there is improvisation, with 87 percent holding this view. On the topic of creating a new state of exception under constitutional law, lasting up to 240 days with extraordinary measures against serious threats to public safety, 49 percent expressed disagreement or strong disagreement, while 40 percent agreed or strongly agreed. Support was strongest among right-wing voters, with 72 percent in favor. In contrast, 53 percent favored amending the constitution to strengthen security measures, compared to 36 percent opposing such changes. Right-wing supporters showed the highest backing at 79 percent, followed by center voters at 56 percent. Left-wing respondents were largely opposed, with 66 percent rejecting the idea. Regarding criminals convicted of organized crime or terrorism, 74 percent believe these individuals have committed crimes so severe that punishment should take precedence over social reintegration. Twenty-six percent argue that all convicts deserve the chance to reintegrate into society. On health-related policies, 51 percent say it is necessary to ensure medical care for everyone to protect society, while 49 percent believe the severity of the crime justifies denying such benefits. In international affairs, Donald Trump emerged as the best-known leader in Latin America, recognized by 82 percent of respondents. He was followed by El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele with 76 percent recognition and Argentina’s Javier Milei with 70 percent. Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum had a 40 percent recognition rate, marking an increase of 11 percentage points since April 2025. When asked about their preference for a president similar to Bukele, 61 percent said they would want someone like him in Chile. Sheinbaum received 31 percent support, and Brazil’s Lula da Silva got 26 percent, both showing increases of eight points from February. Trump and Milei saw declines, with Trump dropping from 28 percent to 15 percent and Milei falling from 26 percent to 11 percent, reaching their lowest levels in the series. Respondents were also asked about U.S. interventions in other countries. Forty-six percent, up four points from earlier, believed Chile should maintain distance from U.S. actions. Twenty-five percent thought each case should be evaluated individually, while 13 percent felt Chile should oppose and condemn U.S. policies. Ten percent, down five points, argued for aligning with the United States. Maintaining distance remained the majority view across all political segments, including the right, which stood at 42 percent. A growing number of respondents believe the U.S. will exert pressure or take direct action on Chile to secure access to natural resources such as lithium and water. Sixty percent, up 18 points from February, considered this very or somewhat likely, compared to 17 percent who found it unlikely, down 14 points. This perception was strongest among left-wing voters, at 77 percent, followed by center voters at 71 percent and right-wing voters at 46 percent.