CALDERON MAINTAINS HIGH APPROVAL RATING

UNCLAS MEXICO 004331 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MX SUBJECT: CALDERON MAINTAINS HIGH APPROVAL RATING ¶1. President Calderon's public approval rating stands at 64%, according to a reliable Mexican poll that registered his approval at 68% in April. The four point decline falls within the poll's margin of error, and reflects the continued strong standing of the president as he prepares to give his first "Informe"--Mexico's state of the nation address--on September 1. As expected, Calderon's approval rating is highest among PANistas, professionals and youth, and lowest among PRDistas. 55% of PRIistas approve of Calderon's job handling, and there was a 6% increase in support among those who were previously undecided. ¶2. Despite his high rating, public approval of Calderon's handling of specific issues remains relatively low (Note: this has often been the case with ratings for past presidents, as well. End note.) For example, no more than a third of the population is somewhat or very satisfied with such bread and butter issues as rule of law, job creation, poverty reduction, or the fight against government corruption. The president achieved highest marks (55%) for respecting human rights; 43% of the population is somewhat or very satisfied with his fight against crime. Calderon received lowest marks in the areas of relations with congress (27%),diminishing poverty (27%),and generating investment (24%). ¶3. There were slight increases in the approval of Calderon's handling of the economy, and slight decreases in the areas of combating government corruption and improving education. The poll registered an 8% increase in the number of people who feel Calderon is defending Mexico's interests vis-Q-vis the United States, likely a consequence of his strong public comments regarding immigration reform and migrants' rights. Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity and the North American Partnership Blog at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap / BASSETT