Support for Kirchner Climbs to 67% in Argentina

February 25, 2007
Angus Reid Global Monitor

Many Argentines are satisfied with Néstor Kirchner, according to a poll by Poliarquía Consultores. 67 per cent of respondents have a positive opinion of their president, up seven points since December.

Kirchner finished second to former president Carlos Menem in the presidential election held in April 2003. Menem withdrew from the scheduled run-off after voting intention polls suggested an overwhelming victory for Kirchner, candidate of the Front for Victory (FV).

During a visit to Venezuela last week, Kirchner publicly condemned those who believe both him and his Brazilian counterpart Luis Inácio Lula da Silva should "contain" the more radical left-wing Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez. Deeming the idea as "completely wrong," Kirchner added: "We build with our brother and partner Chávez a space for the construction of our people’s dignity in South America."

The next presidential election in Argentina is scheduled for Oct. 28. Kirchner is eligible for consecutive re-election, but has not finalized a decision on whether he will seek a new term.