JAVIER MORENO SUCRE
EL UNIVERSAL

Based on the numbers, according to which 63 percent of interviewees branded recent government measures as authoritarian, Oscar Schemel, CEO of pollster Hinterlaces, thinks that the public acceptance of President Hugo Chávez is going down. This may result in collective rejection and losing room in the political ambit.

This statistical analysis was made in every social stratum and throughout the nation to learn about people's trends after the victory of President Chávez in the election of last December 3rd and how they view keeping of promises, said the expert.

"The government recent decisions, such as taking off the air private TV channel Radio Caracas Televisión, the enabling law and impending indefinite reelection have made people regard the head of state as authoritarian."

Interestingly, based on the probe, 79 percent views the government decision not to renew a broadcast license for RCTV as an "antidemocratic whim" that was not anticipated during the presidential campaign.

"The society is concerned about civil freedoms. Closing a channel with such a large share resulted in refusal of almost 80 percent. In the event of repeating such actions that touch the people's feelings, the presidential figure may undoubtedly crack up, and even a time bomb could be triggered in the areas where there is pro-government majority," the expert reasoned.
 
Queried about their preference between a democratic system and Cuban-style socialism, 60 percent bet on full democracy with plenty of opportunities for everybody.

About 85 percent disapproved anti-crime efforts by calling them inexistent or invisible. Most people "considered that the government cares more about the issues in foreign nations, than insecurity," said Schemel.

Cabinet under the magnifying glass
Ministers' input into finding immediate solutions to multiple domestic issues ranked as poor.

"Ministers' management suffered a 73-percent rejection. Opinions go from the fact that they are inefficient and unable to comply with people; that corruption in ministries is widespread and that no results can be seen. They even think that some opposition leaders could lead the ministries."

The leadership of dissenting groups did not escape unharmed.

"A large number of the interviewees branded the opposition action as 'ignorant, detached from the country's reality, unable to make any offer.' This is due to the feeble penetration of these sectors in densely populated areas."

Statistics
A total of 44 percent endorsed the administration of President Hugo Chávez, but had deep reservations about his democratic stance. 74 percent thinks that the Venezuelan democratic system is in jeopardy.

Most interviewees think that social classes need to come to terms.

70 percent feels that President Chávez helped them realize their human and civil rights in accordance with the Constitution.

Almost 60 percent downplayed a US invasion and thinks that the government is manipulating with the "empire" issue.

Translated by Conchita Delgado
cdelgado@eluniversal.com