Controversial dam project sees Piñera’s support plummet to a new low

[Judi Lynn]

Monday, June 6th 2011 - 11:32 UTC
Controversial dam project sees Piñera’s support plummet to a new low

Public support for Chile’s conservative President Sebastián Piñera fell to a new low of 36%, according to an Adimark poll released Thursday, while outright rejection of Piñera’s government reached a record 56%

This compares to the April Adimark figures, which showed support at 41% and rejection at 49%. The numbers come just two weeks after Piñera’s May 21 presidential address to the nation, one that was largely overshadowed by images of protests and police responses.

The top lieutenants in Piñera’s government – Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter, Energy and Mining Minister Laurence Golborne and Education Minister Joaquin Lavín – also saw their public support fall steeply.

These are the worst polling numbers seen by the Piñera government since taking office 15 months ago and come in the aftermath of a growing national debate on Chile’s energy matrix – with Piñera promoting a HidroAysén dam and power line project that is rejected by 74% of Chileans.

More:
http://en.mercopress.com/2011/06/06/controversial-dam-project-sees-pinera-s-support-plummet-to-a-new-low