Boluarte accuses polling firms of manipulation amid approval crisis.

In an increasingly tense political environment, President Dina Boluarte has sparked controversy by accusing polling organizations of manipulating their approval ratings and of asking for money in exchange for boosting her numbers. This confrontation occurs in a context where the president has seen her popular support plummet to an alarming 3%, according to the latest Datum survey. This situation makes her the most unpopular leader in Peru in the last four decades, generating concern and reactions in both the political sphere and public opinion. During an event in Carabayllo, Boluarte expressed her frustration with polling organizations, suggesting that the low level of approval could be corrected if they received some financial compensation. "To those who rate me, who say I have a 3% approval rating, I tell them: just give me a 0, that way we're tied and we'll go to penalties," she asserted defiantly. Such statements not only reveal her discomfort but also reflect a lack of acknowledgment of the critical situation her government is in. Boluarte's accusations have prompted a quick response from the polling industry. The Peruvian Association of Market Intelligence Companies (APEIM) issued a statement labeling the president's remarks as "false and defamatory." They assert that their working methods are rigorous and adhere to international standards, emphasizing that surveys are not a vehicle for any type of political or economic manipulation. APEIM also stressed that the integrity of their work is essential for the proper functioning of democracy and that any claim suggesting otherwise not only harms their reputation but could also be considered a crime. In this regard, they have demanded an immediate retraction from Boluarte, highlighting the seriousness of the accusations and the need to protect the credibility of the institutions responsible for providing data on public opinion. As tensions rise, there is a clear need for the government to reflect on its performance and the perception it generates among citizens. APEIM argued that surveys are a reflection of popular sentiment and a call for the political class to improve its work for the benefit of the country. This message resonates in a context where general disapproval of Boluarte's management is becoming increasingly evident. However, Boluarte's call for a "culture of denunciations" to improve citizen security seems to frame an attempt to divert attention from her own legitimacy crisis. The implementation of effective policies to combat crime is a shared desire among the population, but the lack of trust in current leadership hinders any significant progress in this area. The current situation raises the question of whether the president can truly reverse the negative trend in her approval ratings. The distance between the government and the citizens appears to have grown, and distrust has taken root in the hearts of many Peruvians. Boluarte's ability to address the fundamental issues facing the country will be key to assessing the future of her administration. It is important to note that the confrontational atmosphere generated by Boluarte's statements could have repercussions on the relationship between the government and the media, as well as on public trust in polling organizations. The perception of manipulation or pressure from the executive branch could lead to greater skepticism about the validity of the data presented to the public. In this context, the importance of transparency and ethics in the work of polling organizations becomes even more crucial. APEIM has made it clear that their commitment is to truth and objectivity, and that defending their reputation is a serious matter that will not be taken lightly. The president, for her part, will need to consider her upcoming words and actions carefully, as each statement could have significant consequences for her relationship with the public. Ultimately, what is at stake is more than just approval ratings; it concerns trust in democratic institutions and the future of leadership in Peru. The current crisis presents a challenge not only for Boluarte but for the entire political system of the country, which must find a way to reconnect with citizens and effectively address their concerns.