2024-09-16 15:52:27
The latest YanHaas poll reveals growing distrust in President Gustavo Petro’s administration, with 72% of Colombians expressing skepticism after two years in office. As the country faces economic and social challenges, citizens show a clear preference for the private sector to lead the economic recovery, while a majority supports the advancement of women in politics.
HUILA DAILY, ANALYSIS
The disapproval of President Gustavo Petro’s management, which reaches 72% in terms of distrust, reflects a broad disenchantment that goes beyond individual political preferences. The figures reveal that dissatisfaction is not only limited to a part of the electorate, but is transversal in different population segments, as evidenced in the five main cities where the survey was conducted: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and Bucaramanga.
Significantly, discontent in cities like Medellín, where 83% of respondents express distrust, could be linked to historical and cultural factors, as Medellín has traditionally been a more conservative political bastion. However, in cities like Cali, which has shown greater support for proposals for change and social transformation, trust in Petro is relatively higher, with 45% of respondents still trusting his leadership.
This situation raises questions about the government’s ability to reverse this trend, especially in a context where citizens are showing clear signs of fatigue and disillusionment. For Gustavo Petro, the key to improving his image during the remainder of his term will be the effective implementation of policies that respond to the country’s immediate needs, such as economic recovery and security, issues that are highlighted as priorities for those surveyed.
Expectations regarding re-election and its political viability
The issue of President Petro’s re-election appears to be a major point of contention. Although his government has not yet officially proposed this possibility, the poll shows that an overwhelming 69% of Colombians believe that Petro would fail to deliver on his promises of change if given a second chance. This data not only reveals skepticism about his current policies, but also a growing fatigue with traditional political figures and a greater demand for renewal in the country’s leadership.
It is interesting to note that the younger population, especially those between 18 and 24 years old, have a more positive perception of Petro’s policies compared to older age groups. However, even in this group, the percentage of those who believe that Petro could bring about change is a minority, reflecting a widespread disenchantment with the promises of transformation.
Management challenges and the weight of structural reforms
Among the perceived causes of government management problems, the survey points to a number of factors including a lack of strategic planning, the absence of strong leadership and a disconnect between government and the country’s real needs. This is reflected in growing discontent in cities such as Bogotá, where 57% of respondents identify poor management as one of the key causes of national problems.
Gustavo Petro’s government has pushed through structural reforms in areas such as health and pensions, which have been controversial and have generated divisions in public opinion. The survey suggests that a significant part of the population does not believe that these reforms are the right way to improve the situation in the country. The economic reforms, in particular, have been criticized by sectors that consider the government’s approach to be too interventionist.
You may be interested in: Agricultural exports grew by 13.1% in July
The fact that 57% of respondents in Bogotá and 73% in Medellín support the private sector as the main actor in reviving the economy reflects a clear preference for more liberal economic models and less confidence in state interventions. This scenario poses a significant challenge for President Petro, whose government has been based on a progressive discourse that seeks greater state intervention in the economy. The gap between the government’s rhetoric and citizen expectations reveals a disconnect that could hinder the implementation of his most ambitious reforms.
Economic challenges and the vision of the private sector as a driving force for recovery
Economic recovery is one of the most important issues for Colombians, according to the survey. In this regard, 57% of respondents nationwide point to the private sector as the main actor to lead the economic recovery, while only 43% consider that the government is capable of playing this role. The perception is particularly strong in cities such as Medellín and Bucaramanga, where 73% and 55% of respondents, respectively, show a clear preference for an economic model driven by private enterprise.
Among the measures that respondents consider most effective in boosting the economy, the generation of tax incentives for small and medium-sized businesses stands out, with 70% supporting them. This finding suggests that citizens perceive companies as the engine of job creation and growth, and that they expect the government to facilitate the conditions so that they can operate more efficiently. However, there is also a significant segment that supports the reduction of interest rates (69%) as a key measure to encourage credit and investment, which indicates that the population is looking for a combination of policies that strengthen both the financial and business sectors.
The role of women in politics and the change in social perception
One of the most revealing aspects of the survey is the perception of the role of women in politics. **69%** of respondents believe that Colombia is prepared to elect a woman as president in the next elections, which marks a significant advance in terms of gender equality. This data is even more relevant if one takes into account that 73% of women support this idea, which reflects a growing female empowerment in the political sphere.
The cities of Barranquilla and Medellín are the ones that show the greatest support for the possibility of a female president, which could be related to the rise of female figures in local politics. These results reflect a change in social perception, in a country that has historically been dominated by male leaders.
A government at a crossroads
Gustavo Petro’s government faces a number of complex challenges as it progresses through its term. Widespread distrust, lack of support for his change-making policies, and skepticism about a possible re-election put his administration in a delicate position. The survey reveals a country divided between those who support greater state intervention and those who prefer a more liberal economic model, led by the private sector.
If President Petro wants to regain the trust of the public and increase his approval rating, it will be essential that he adopt a more inclusive and dialoguing approach, recognizing the importance of the private sector in economic recovery, while promoting policies that respond to social and security demands. The key for the next two years of government lies in his ability to achieve a balance between structural reforms and the expectations of a citizenry that, for the most part, is tired of unfulfilled promises.
You can read: Carbon tax adjustment will affect the price of gasoline