MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Public confidence in Kirchner administration eroding.

Public confidence in Argentine President Nestor Kirchner's administration dropped significantly in August reaching the lowest since the former Santa Cruz province governor took office May 25 last year according to the latest survey from the Di Tella University

The administration confidence index, ICG, which the Di Tella University elaborates monthly during August, dropped 17%. Political scientist Sergio Berensztein responsible for the report said that the erosion was extensive to "all the indicators which help to make up the ICG index".

The indicators include the government's image and assessment; general perception about private interests influence in the administration; officials' honesty; public expenditure efficiency, capacity to solve problems.

The ICG ranking, between 0 and 5, stood in August at 2.07 that is 42 points less than in July, a 17% drop, and the "lowest ever for this administration".

However 59% of those interviewed believe problems "are been solved" or the government has the capacity to address them; 38% have a positive image of the administration; 43% believe most government officials are honest; 34% that resources are spent efficiently and 33% believe the Kirchner administration is ruling for the general interest.

The report shows that residents outside of Buenos Aires city and young people have greater confidence in the Kirchner administration; women are more critical than men and those with higher education have the least confidence.