Public Skepticism Grows: 49% Believe Kast’s Mega-Reform Benefits Wealthy Corporations and Individuals

The opinion poll conducted on June 14 via an online panel revealed that the legislative proposal currently in Congress—which includes controversial measures such as reducing the first-category tax from 27% to 23%, eliminating the capital gains tax, implementing a tax credit for formal employment, as well as a 25-year tax invariability for investments exceeding $50 million—has been rejected by 36% of respondents; while 26% stated they are undecided, and 38% are in favor, reflecting a 7-point drop from the 45% approval recorded on June 7.

Meanwhile, 34% believe it aims to create jobs for the general population, and 17% do not lean towards either of the two prevailing opinions regarding the controversial project.

The Criteria survey also explored public perception regarding the government’s handling of the so-called «emergency situation» established by both Kast and his administration, under which several questioned measures have been justified, including a 3% budget cut to ministries, an unprecedented increase in fuel prices dubbed the «fuel hike», coupled with the decision to limit tuition-free university education exclusively to students under 30, ramping up financial penalties for borrowers under the State Guaranteed Credit (CAE), and applying tax reductions for companies while the right remains opposed to lifting bank secrecy as a tool to investigate serious crimes and combat corruption.

According to the opinion study—comprising a total sample of 802 cases involving both women and men aged 18 and older from socioeconomic levels ABCD, residing nationwide—46% felt that the government has acted incorrectly (+6 p.p.). Conversely, 36% (-4 p.p.) expressed agreement with Kast’s strategy and that of his ministers.

Approval Ratings for Kast’s Government Decline by Five Points

According to the survey, the assessment of José Antonio Kast’s management as President of Chile has not improved, with a disapproval rate increasing by five percentage points, now registering 52%, marking the second lowest figure since the far-right leader took office on March 11. Meanwhile, approval stands at 39%, reflecting a one-point decline from the previous measurement.

Public Opposition to Freezing Accounts of CAE Borrowers

The survey also addressed public opinion regarding the debt collection measures related to the State Guaranteed Credit (CAE). According to the results, 48% expressed disagreement with the idea that freezing bank accounts by the General Treasury of the Republic is a valid tool for recovering debts associated with student loans.

You can check the results of the most recent Criteria survey below:

Agenda_Criteria_14_Junio_2026_6LVnZ Download

La entrada Public Skepticism Grows: 49% Believe Kast’s Mega-Reform Benefits Wealthy Corporations and Individuals se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.