MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

President Kirchner's image ten points below a year ago

Argentine president Nestor Kirchner image dropped to 49% in July, ten points below a year ago, according to the latest public opinion poll released this week by Poliarquía Consultants.

The poll shows that 13% of those interviewed have a "very good image" of Mr. Kirchner; 36% good, while 32% fairly good and 18%, negative. "These percentages show us that the image of President Kirchner has experienced a fall of three points compared to the previous month. In a medium term perspective, the positive image of the president dropped ten points in the last twelve months" reads the report. The poll also shows that Mr Kirchner's standing is stronger among young people (55%), citizens with basic schooling (56%) and among those living in the outskirts of Buenos Aires, (51%). Inversely the image deteriorates among citizens over 30 and with tertiary or academic formation, plus residents in the City of Buenos Aires. The poll was taken between July 2 and 11, involving 800 residents of the cities of Buenos Aires and outskirts; Cordoba; Rosario; Mendoza and Tucuman. Kirchner's highest ranking in the polls (82%) dates back to March 2004 when the Argentine economy showed the first signs that it was preparing for a strong recovery from the meltdown and default of 2001/02.