Chilean Security Agenda Gains Strong Public Support, Polls Show

Chile's newly announced Agenda against Organized Crime and Terrorism (ACOT) is enjoying strong public approval just days after its national broadcast by President José Antonio Kast. Recent polls indicate that the majority of citizens back the government's security initiatives.

The Plaza Pública Cadem survey reveals that over 80% of respondents support the core measures of the ACOT. The initiative with the highest backing, at 88%, is the proposed increase in penalties for individuals who recruit minors to commit crimes. Additionally, 84% of those surveyed approved of the permanent police deployment in the 50 most critical neighborhoods nationwide, while 82% favor classifying membership in a criminal organization as a delito subject to aggravated penalties.

However, the public appears divided on the creation of a new constitutional state of exception, with 49% in favor and 44% against. Despite this division, specific powers associated with such a measure received more favorable ratings. Seventy-six percent of respondents support the idea of the Armed Forces assisting the Carabineros in operations against organized crime, and 70% are in favor of intercepting telecommunications in targeted zones. Conversely, opinions are split on restricting movement (49% agree) and freedom of assembly (41% support) in areas under a state of exception.

President Kast's approval rating has seen a slight increase following the ACOT announcement. The Criteria survey shows his approval rose one point to 35%, while disapproval dropped three points to 52%. Regarding the government's handling of the security situation, 42% believe the current approach is incorrect, a decrease of 7 points from the previous week, with 35% considering it correct and 23% undecided. A separate Cadem poll also noted a two-point rise in Kast's approval rating in early August, reaching 40%, with 56% disapproving of his performance.