MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguay: President Mujica popularity and approval stand at 51% and 45%, opinion poll shows

The Uruguayan president has had his ups and downs but remains strong in popularity

Uruguayan president Jose Mujica popularity reached 51% in October while approval of his performance stood at 45%, according to the latest opinion poll released this week and a year ahead of national elections. In Uruguay there is no re-election

The latest poll from Cifra shows that Mujica's popularity went from 53% last March, to 49% in August and again 51% in October. In that period approval of his performance dropped from 49% to 45% and has remained there.

”Mujica's performance oscillates at a good level although he took off (in March 2010) with an enviable support from two thirds of the population. He started to have serious problems in mid 2011 and again in September 2012, but now following some ups and downs remains with 51% popularity and 45% approval“, according to Luis Eduardo Gonzalez head of Cifra.

Broken down by Uruguay's three main parties: three fourths of the ruling coalition Broad Front support Mujica while among the two opposition parties this drops to a quarter.

Mujica's popularity in the Broad Front coalition receives 74% support with an 8% denying such condition and 19% don't have an opinion or prefer to keep quiet. Among the main opposition National party the percentages are: 24%; 39% and 27%. And among the Colorado party: 22%, 47% and 31%.

This adds up to 51% popularity; 22% antipathy and 27% no opinion.

Regarding performance approval, in the ruling coalition support stands at 69%; disapproval at 13% and 19% have no opinion. Among the National party the percentages are: 17%; 59% and 24%, and for the Colorados, 11%; 57%; and 32%. Summing up 48% support; 33% disapprove and 23% have no opinion.

”This means that for the political spectrum, government and opposition, Mujica harvests more popularity than approval for his performance as president”, said Gonzalez.

By age groups, from 16 to 19 years, 44% approve; 37% disapprove and 19% have no opinion or do not wish to reply.

In the 30 to 44 age group, 46% approve; 31% disapprove and 23% no opinion. Between 40 and 59, approval stands at 40%; disapproval at 36% and 24% no opinion. And finally over 60, 48%, 29% and 24%, in that order.