MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Top popularity marks for Mr. “K”.

An overwhelming majority of Argentines have a positive image of President Nestor Kirchner's administration first month in office, and similarly 82% are optimistic about the future of the country according to an opinion poll published this Sunday in the Buenos Aires press.

The OPSM Enrique Zuleta Puceiro poll indicates that in spite of the still difficult situation, only 10,7% of those interviewed said things will remain unchanged, and just 4,4% were pessimistic about the future.

As to the current Argentine economic situation, 51% describe it as still below acceptable; 21% consider it bad, 9,7% very bad. An insignificant 0,5% extremely good and 17,2% acceptable.

The poll included 1,100 interviews, above the age of 18, in 65 major urban locations and was done between June 16 and 20. The margin error is plus, minus 2,95%.

As to President Kirchner's personal standing, or the "K" effect as described by the Argentine press, 63,2% rate him good; 20,1% very good; 8,9% below average and only 2,2% have a negative opinion of the former governor of Patagonia.

Regarding the president's agenda, a vast majority of Argentines, 65,5%, believes that creating jobs is the main priority. A similar percentage, 65,1% mentioned credit and production incentives as the main issue.

Capital investment in infrastructure is also seen as a powerful tool for the recovery of the economy, 62%, followed by 42% who favour pruning government and 31% who believe paying and restructuring the foreign debt is essential.

The Argentine press also interviewed several social scientists to assess the real impact of President Kirchner popularity and most coincided that is was very difficult to foresee this degree of support in the coming months.

Atilio Borón, a political science professor at the University of Buenos Aires described the situation as "surprising and unexpected", but also pointed out that Mr. Kirchner targeted with clear impact effect several irritating issues for public opinion such as the Supreme Court, the top brass of the military, corruption in the Federal Police and in the gigantic Social Security system.

Sociologist Graciela Römer indicated that the presidential popularity is closely linked to these strong gestures and messages however a point will come when "they have to be seen together with specific actions in other more practical fields".

Rosendo Fraga head of a local think tank, Centro de Estudios Unión para la Nueva Mayoría, said that since the reestablishment of democracy in Argentina, all presidents have enjoyed a money moon with public opinion, "those who voted for the man and those who wish him success".

However it all depends how Mr. Kirchner makes use of this time and, "he has chosen to strengthen his power which is logical, but it's governance and sustainability that will give him stability, not media effects".

Political psychologist Orlando D'Amado indicated that much will depend on the "economic agenda", and "as he moves to more specific issues that involve finance, law and order, the different sectors will begin reacting".

Sociologist Luis Alberto Quevedo pointed out that leading Argentina out of its current emergency and creating a long term sustainable project will mean "choosing partners and whoever he chooses will have consequences".

Finally poll analyst Analía del Franco believes Mr. Kirchner's popularity is based in his "executive, determined profile, loyal to his own convictions", together with the continued presence of Economy Minister Roberto Lavagna who has helped "to keep uncertainties at a distance, a calm atmosphere with promising prospects for the future".

"Mr. Kirchner is also one of the elected presidents to have achieved most government actions in thirty days", highlighted Ms. Del Franco.