Security is top priority, but 54% question government's management

Security has solidified as the paramount concern for citizens, yet a significant 54% express dissatisfaction with President José Antonio Kast's government's handling of the issue, according to the latest Agenda Criteria survey. This finding emerges following a week marked by "Operation Cancerbero," which relocated 687 high-risk inmates, and controversy surrounding constitutional reform drafts related to security.

The survey reveals that improving security is the top priority for 28% of respondents, followed by public health (16%), job creation (15%), and economic recovery (12%). Notably, 73% of those polled would choose security over freedom, even if it means compromising certain liberties, an increase from 68% in 2022. This prioritization of security spans across the political spectrum, though with varying degrees of intensity.

Despite security's prominence, the government's performance in this area receives a critical assessment. Only 19% believe the government has done better than expected, while 27% find its performance neither better nor worse. In contrast, 47% view the government's immigration management as worse than anticipated. The public largely favors new anti-crime legislation (61%) over the strict enforcement of existing laws (30%).

Proposed security measures, such as increased penalties for recruiting minors and enhanced punishments for organized crime, have garnered widespread approval, with 94% agreement. Other measures, including permanent police deployment in critical neighborhoods (90%), a special penitentiary regime for drug traffickers (84%), border reinforcement (82%), and greater legal protection for law enforcement, also enjoy substantial backing. However, public expectations for the successful implementation of these initiatives are considerably lower, ranging between 53% and 69%.