The most recent survey by “SABEMOS: La Opinión Ciudadana” reveals that the administration of President Gustavo Petro faces low levels of approval, with only 30% support.
DIARIO DEL HUILA, ANALYSIS
The recent “WE KNOW: Citizen Opinion” survey, carried out by the Hernán Echavarría Olózaga Institute of Political Science and YanHaas, presents a complex panorama for the government of President Gustavo Petro. The study, which compiled the perception of 700 people in the five main cities of Colombia (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and Bucaramanga), addresses issues of government management, economy, security, and trust in institutions. The results, presented on October 15, 2024, show a drop in approval
Low presidential approval and management controversies
President Gustavo Petro’s administration is going through a difficult time in terms of public perception. According to the survey, 50% of those surveyed disapprove of the president’s management, while only 30% approve. These results reflect a trend that has been growing in recent months, where the administration has failed to regain the trust of citizens. This sentiment is more pronounced in cities like Medellín and Bucaramanga, where disapproval numbers are higher than the national average.
The low approval is also related to doubts about the integrity of the electoral process that brought Petro to the presidency. According to the survey, 58% of those surveyed believe that there was unreported income during the president’s election campaign, with Medellín being the city with the highest proportion of people who believe in this irregularity (76%). This issue, far from dissipating, continues to be a point of tension that affects trust in the current administration, and reinforces the perception of lack of transparency in political management.
Distrust in the economy and fear of unemployment
The state of the Colombian economy is one of the biggest concerns reflected in the survey. 65% of those surveyed do not trust that the economic situation will improve in the coming months. This lack of optimism is particularly high in Bucaramanga, where 74% of respondents share this sentiment, and in Medellín, which is positioned as another city with high levels of economic skepticism.
Pessimism is reinforced by the perception that the cost of living has risen sharply. 61% of people indicated that the cost of living has skyrocketed under the Petro government, raising concerns about economic stability and the government’s ability to control inflation. The increase in prices of basic products and fuel has affected broad sectors of the population, being a cause of protest by various unions, such as the transportation sector, which has mobilized against the increase in the price of ACPM.
Economic uncertainty is also reflected in the labor market. Nearly half of those surveyed (45%) say they feel their job is at risk, a sentiment that is especially prevalent among women and young adults ages 25 to 34. The lack of job stability and fear of unemployment seem to dominate the concerns of Colombians, especially in a context where confidence in the economic future is low. Additionally, 39% of respondents report that they or a member of their family has recently lost their job, signaling growing concern about employment stability in the country.
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Perception of security and the role of the government
Security remains another critical issue. The survey shows that more than 70% of respondents believe that Colombia is at risk of manipulation or fraud in the next elections. This high level of distrust highlights citizen concern for the transparency and stability of the democratic system. The main concerns point to the possibility that the current government, drug trafficking actors or illegal groups will try to intervene in the electoral process. This perception of risk reveals a crisis of confidence that goes beyond politics, and reflects fears about the country’s governance and institutional security.
Additionally, only 44% of those surveyed trust that Petro will defend democracy, showing a considerable gap in support and trust towards the presidential leadership in times of political uncertainty. This perception varies considerably by city, with Barranquilla being the city where trust is relatively highest (53%), while in Medellín it barely reaches 32%.
Divided opinions on government policies and economic management
Regarding the direct impact of government policies, the survey highlights that 36% of respondents consider that the government’s actions harm people like them, while only 13% believe that they have been beneficial. This skepticism also extends to the economic management of state companies and intervention in sectors such as energy, with mixed responses about the efficiency and transparency of these measures.
The survey also reveals that 78% of respondents would agree to a tax reduction, reflecting widespread discontent with the current tax burden. Many believe that taxes should be used to improve security and finance social programs, two areas that the population perceives as priorities for development and social well-being.
Concerns of youth and challenges for the future
Young people face specific challenges in the current sociopolitical and economic context of the country. Among the main concerns of youth, the lack of job opportunities leads with 54%, followed by mental health problems (44%), such as anxiety and depression, which have increased amid economic and political uncertainty. The tendency to migrate is also highlighted as a growing phenomenon, which reflects the perception that opportunities are better outside the country.
A panorama of mistrust and challenge for the government
The “WE KNOW” survey reflects a divided and worried country. The disapproval of Gustavo Petro’s management is significant and appears to be motivated by economic issues and doubts about transparency. Furthermore, the perception of risk in employment and the increase in the cost of living highlight the economic difficulties faced by the population. Institutional security and trust in democracy are threatened by concerns about possible electoral manipulation and a perceived lack of transparency.
The government will have to address these challenges with more effective policies to regain citizen trust and reverse the negative perception that dominates the current panorama. From economic management to improving security, the Petro administration faces a series of challenges that will require not only immediate responses, but a long-term strategic vision to reconnect with the needs of citizens and strengthen the country’s stability. .
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