Boluarte criticizes polls after reporting only 3% citizen approval.

President Dina Boluarte has intensified her criticisms of public opinion pollsters in an attempt to question the unfavorable results reflecting her administration. During an event in Carabayllo, Boluarte referred to a recent survey by Datum that reported a meager 3% approval rating from the public, placing her in an uncomfortable position as the most unpopular leader in Peru in the last four decades. In her statements, Boluarte not only disqualified the validity of these polls but also insinuated that some of these companies may have requested money in exchange for manipulating their results. “For those who rate me, who say I have a 3% approval rating, I say: give me a 0%, that way we’re tied and we’ll go to penalties,” Boluarte asserted, in an attempt to downplay the figure that condemns her in public opinion. However, her comment regarding alleged requests for money has sparked a wave of criticism and denials from the polling industry. The Peruvian Association of Market Intelligence Companies (APEIM) quickly responded to the accusations. In a statement, they disqualified the president's claims, labeling them as “false and defamatory.” They emphasized that surveys are conducted with seriousness and adhere to international quality standards, highlighting their commitment to truthfulness and scientific rigor in their work. APEIM's statement not only defended the integrity of pollsters but also demanded an immediate correction from Boluarte. “Claiming that these surveys are conducted for some benefit constitutes defamation that, in addition to harming our good institutional image, represents a crime,” they stated in their letter. The president's remarks, far from being a mere reproach, are presented as a direct attack on the credibility of an industry that plays a crucial role in analyzing public opinion. It is important to note that surveys are a fundamental tool for gauging the pulse of the citizenry and reflecting their concerns. In this regard, APEIM reminded political actors that the sentiments reflected in surveys should serve as a call for reflection on their own performance and conduct. “If what the political class seeks is to improve results, they must first reflect on their work for the benefit of the country,” they added in their statement. Boluarte's remarks have been interpreted by many as an attempt to divert attention from the growing dissatisfaction and discontent among the public regarding her management, especially in a context where citizen insecurity has become one of the main concerns of Peruvians. At the same event, Boluarte advocated for a "culture of reporting" to tackle crime, suggesting that citizen participation is key to improving public safety. However, it is evident that the lack of trust in her leadership has eroded the effectiveness of such calls. Her communication strategy seems focused on attacking the messengers rather than addressing the legitimate concerns of the population. The growing unpopularity of her government cannot be ignored, and instead, the approach appears to be to minimize and delegitimize the voices that dissent. Meanwhile, the political situation in Peru remains volatile. The disapproval of Boluarte reflects not only a momentary discontent but also highlights deeper structural problems in governance and public administration. Surveys, far from being mere numbers, are indicators of a country's democratic health and a mirror of popular sentiment. It is crucial for President Boluarte and her administration to take the results of these surveys seriously and consider the concerns expressed by citizens. The path to improving her image and restoring public trust requires not only correcting erroneous statements but also a genuine commitment and concrete actions that respond to the needs of the citizenry. Otherwise, the chasm between the government and the people will only continue to grow, leaving the administration in an increasingly precarious situation.