MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

De la Rúa's standing.

President De la Rúa and his administration standing have dropped in public consideration following the last political and economic events, according to a Gallup poll published in the Argentine media. Only 11% of those polled expressed a positive opinion of the Argentine government, 38% was negative and 48% moderate. As far as President De la Rúa, 32% have a positive image, 27% negative and 37% moderate. But when it comes to actually running the country, 63% said they were dissatisfied, 26% backed Mr. De la Rúa and 11% didn't reply. The poll was done the last week of October, in 28 locations of Argentina with a 3,8% margin or error. However October results indicate a 5 and 8 points drop for the Argentine President compared to the previous month when 34% of those polled backed Mr. De la Rúa. Looking ahead, 49% believe political and social conditions will be more difficult while only 23% stated that conditions will improve, and 13% that they will remain normal. Unemployment is the main concern for Argentines, 57% believe it could get worse, 25% it will remain at current levels and 11% that it will diminish. Concerning former vice president Carlos Alvarez, the polls indicated that 54% disapproved his resignation and 66% believe he should continue to support the government.

Patagonian demands.

A summit of Patagonian governors held this week in San Martín de los Andes rejected the federal government's project to eliminate fuel subsidies in Patagonia and demanded a fair deal in the coming hydrocarbons legislation. Governors from La Pampa, Rio Negro, Chubut and Neuquen recalled that 80% of Argentina's hydrocarbons come from Patagonia and demanded that those aspects of constitutional jurisdiction belonging to the provinces, over these resources be applied. Governors also anticipated they will demand in Court 200 million US dollars in unpaid taxes from energy and oil companies operating in Patagonia. In a final statement the governors requested the funds promised by the federal government to finish the Trans-Patagonian train and a rail pass to Chile, and asked the sanctioning of a law confirming reimbursements for goods exported from Patagonian ports.

Richard Gere

Categories: Mercosur.

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