Survey: Majority unhappy with president

LA PRENSA

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The majority of Panamanians (52.4%) disapprove of the job being done by President Martín Torrijos, revealed a public opinion research poll funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The study is known as the “Barometer of the Americas” because it compares the political situation of governments and its institutions in various countries in the region. In 2006, Torrijos had a disapproval rating of 50.5 percent.

The study also asked people their opinions on issues such as corruption and security. Not surprisingly, about 70 percent of those asked said that corruption is a problem.

On the issue of security, 35 percent of those asked said they felt unsafe, 10 percent less than in 2004.

The survey showed that almost 80 percent of those asked are unhappy with the administration of the Panama Canal, though almost 70 percent said the expansion would benefit the country.