MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina worried with “insecurity and social perturbation”

Insecurity is Argentina's main public opinion concern, followed closely by unemployment according to a TNS-Gallup poll published this Sunday in Buenos Aires.

Extortive kidnapping, street violence particularly by the picketers that regularly march along Buenos Aires streets concentrated the attention of the 1010 Argentines interviewed for the poll between July 23 and 26, and beside who consider the country is exposed to "a serious perturbation".

The results indicate 22% consider insecurity the main concern; 20% unemployment; 11% poverty, education and corruption 8% each.

The findings are worrisome since it's the first time since March 2000 that insecurity is higher than unemployment and is specifically evident in the 35-49 year age range with 26%. For those over 50, unemployment is the priority.

As to the main criticisms of President Nestor Kirchner administration, 29% indicate the government has not improved the law and order situation and feel crime actually has increased; 18% mentioned the lack of sufficient jobs and 14% disagree with the lenient attitude of government towards picketers and street demonstrations.

The sum of criticisms is reflected in 46% of interviews which believe Argentina is facing a "serious social perturbation", six points above last December and fifteen more than in August 2003. Another 38% described the situation as "slight perturbation" and 12% "normal".

However President Kirchner approval rating remains strong at 58%, with 31% "slightly acceptable" and 8% negative.

The TNS-Gallup poll indicates that Mr. Kirchner's support is higher outside of metropolitan Buenos Aires, 62%, and among the young people 67%. Negative image is concentrated in the high and middle classes of Buenos Aires.

As to his administration, 68% approve, 22% disapprove and 10% did not reply.

These figures have suffered quiet a bit compared to June 2003 when his personal image stood at 78% and an overwhelming 85% approved his administration.

As to the economic administration of the country under Economy Minister Roberto Lavagna, 55% approve, 34% disapprove and 11% did not reply. In June 2003 the approval stood at 66%.