MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“Moral renewal” of political leadership.

Overcoming the current economic financial time will be a long process and will demand above all a moral renewal of the Argentine political leadership, according to an opinion poll published this week in Buenos Aires daily, La Nación.

Half of those polled indicated that a more honest political leadership is essential and 44% believe at least six years will be needed to overcome the current situation. Government efficiency, 32%, and a strong political leadership, 13%, were described as necessary to take Argentina ahead. However middle class and high income brackets were more emphatic about efficiency 39% than lower income groups, 31%. Similarly the young were inclined towards efficiency 37%, as against older generations, 28%. Men were more pessimistic about the future compared to women, 51% against 38%. However 64% of the 1,170 adults above 17, polled in 26 different urban locations, believe that economic difficulties originated in Argentina, as against 25% who blame the world economy.

Regarding violence in the short term, 55% said they were concerned with social and economic unrest, followed by international terrorism 28%, and 22% common delinquency.

Social and economic unrest related violent acts are feared by all Argentines, particularly those with university education 78%, and the high income and middle class brackets, 68%.

When asked to which region Argentina should integrate, 52% replied Europe, 27% United States and 21% did not reply. However the 17-25 and 25-34 brackets were more inclined towards the US.