Chile: Bachelet’s popularity creeps up

The popularity of Chilean president Michelle Bachelet has steadily increased over the past few months according to rent poll numbers. The poll conducted by Chile’s CERC showed that 50% of respondents approved of Bachelet’s mandate compared to 46% in a December CERC poll. The increase may not seem like much, but it’s notable when one notes that an October poll by Adimark Gfk had her approval rating at a mere 35%.

Over the weekend, Bachelet visited several small towns in the southern part of the country that have been evacuated due to the erupting Chaiten volcano.

Despite the optimistic poll numbers, Bachelet has faced several recent obstacles over indigenous issues, health care, Cabinet reshuffling, and public transportation.

Sources- Angus Reid Consultants, Emol.com, Reuters, The Latin Americanist

Image- The Hindu (The President of India with Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet last month in Santiago)