Petro's Approval Rating in South America: A Comparative Analysis
According to a recent survey by CB Consultora Opinión Pública, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia is currently facing significant challenges in terms of public approval. The March 2025 poll places him seventh in a ranking of South American presidents, with a 37.6% positive image. This places him ahead of only Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, Luis Arce of Bolivia, and Dina Boluarte of Peru, all of whom are grappling with substantial disapproval ratings in their respective countries.
Understanding Petro's Position
While Petro surpasses these leaders, his own approval rating indicates that he is also encountering obstacles in gaining widespread support for his administration. This context is particularly relevant given Petro's proposal to advance his government's reforms through a popular consultation, aiming to validate his proposals by mobilizing his electorate. The survey results, as reported by Pulzo, suggest that this strategy could be a critical test of his actual support base.
Comparative Analysis with Other Leaders
The survey highlights a wide range of approval ratings among South American presidents. Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay leads the pack with a 52.9% approval rate, followed by Daniel Noboa of Ecuador at 47.5%, and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil at 46.5%. Notably, Lula da Silva experienced the largest increase in popularity, with a 2.5% rise since the previous month, showcasing a positive trajectory in public perception.
According to David Otero (Pulzo author), «this data provides key insights into the political climate of South America, reflecting diverse levels of public confidence in the region's leadership».
The Case of Javier Milei
In contrast, Javier Milei of Argentina witnessed a significant drop in his approval rating, decreasing by 3.2% compared to February. This decline underscores the potential impact of controversial decisions on public opinion. Milei's case, particularly involving the promotion of a cryptocurrency that turned out to be a scam, illustrates how such missteps can lead to legal troubles and erode public trust. This analysis is based on data from CB Consultora Opinión Pública, as cited by Pulzo.
Colombian Senators: Who Holds the Public's Favor?
The survey also delved into the approval ratings of Colombian senators, revealing a varied landscape of public perception. The senators with the highest approval ratings are:
- Iván Cepeda (Pacto Histórico): 39.3%
- Aida Avella (Pacto Histórico): 38.2%
- María Fernanda Cabal (Centro Democrático): 36.4%
Conversely, the senators with the lowest approval ratings are:
- Juan Samy Merheg (Partido Conservador): 2.9%
- Jairo Castellanos (ASI): 3.2%
- Claudia Pérez (Partido Liberal): 4.1%
Implications for Colombian Politics
The wide disparity in approval ratings among senators suggests a deeply divided political landscape in Colombia. Senators from the Pacto Histórico, a left-leaning coalition, enjoy relatively higher approval, while those from more traditional parties face significant challenges in gaining public support.
These findings hold significant implications for the future of Colombian politics, particularly as President Petro seeks to implement his reform agenda. The success of his initiatives will likely depend on his ability to navigate the complex political terrain and build consensus across different political factions.
Conclusion
President Petro's current standing in the South American approval rankings reflects the complexities of governing in a region marked by diverse political ideologies and socio-economic challenges. While he outperforms some of the region's most controversial leaders, he still faces an uphill battle in solidifying his support base. The upcoming popular consultation will serve as a crucial litmus test for his administration, potentially shaping the trajectory of his presidency and the future of Colombia's political landscape. The insights provided by CB Consultora Opinión Pública, as reported by Pulzo, underscore the importance of understanding public sentiment in navigating the intricacies of South American politics.
