The political crisis is also taking its toll on the President of the Republic: at the end of November, and after the decision to dismiss the government, dissolve the Assembly of the Republic and bring forward the parliamentary elections, this crisis is once again under the opinion of the Portuguese people. and records the worst result in more than three years from this series of barometers. According to the Aximage survey for DN, JN and TSF, it maintains a positive balance, but is now down to four points.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has always been the most important political reference point for the Portuguese in recent years. He was always the most popular politician and had more than 60 positive points in regular evaluations (difference between positive and negative scores). A downward trend started from April last year, which continued until April this year.
In July, in the midst of a collision course with Costa and in the aftermath of the government crisis caused by the “regrettable” episode surrounding Minister Galamba, he gained some popularity. But it returned to the downward path as the political situation deteriorated. And it drops to a minimum level, after the absolute majority is overthrown and new elections are scheduled.
Cause and effect
The link between cause and effect becomes clear when analyzing one of the segments of the sample: the Socialist voters, who barometer after barometer showed themselves to be the most enthusiastic, stopped dead in their tracks and gave Marcelo a negative assessment for the first time . On the contrary, positive evaluations rose dramatically among Social Democratic voters, who were apparently grateful to the president. In fact, it is the PSD voters who prevent them from falling below the water line.
There is also a reversal of trends in other types of segments in the sample. Particularly in the age groups: until October, the two oldest groups were almost always among the most enthusiastic, but now the balance is negative among the over-65s. In contrast to younger people, who no longer had a neutral assessment of the president and moved into positive territory. What hasn’t changed is the fact that Marcelo continues to benefit from greater appreciation in the women’s game. If it were just for men, it would be in negative territory.
More data
65% – Two-thirds of Portuguese believe that the President of the Republic needs more clarification on the political crisis, the dissolution of parliament and the regular functioning of the institutions. This should not happen: after several days of silence, Marcelo came out again, but to say that this is the time for parties. Yours won’t start again until after the March 10 elections.
Source: DN
