Persistent Fears: Public Safety Dominates Concerns in Uruguay

In Uruguay, public safety consistently tops the list of citizen concerns, claiming 47 percent of mentions in a recent Cifra survey.

This trend has been stable for over a decade, only briefly overshadowed by pandemic-related issues.

Economic woes, including job security, inflation, and poverty, trail at 32 percent.

Mariana Pomiés, director of Cifra, underscored this during a Channel 12 broadcast, pointing out the dual focus on safety and economic stability.

Furthermore, less than 5 percent of respondents worried about education, value deterioration, corruption, politicians, or health.

Since 2012, public safety had dominated until the pandemic shifted priorities to health and economy in 2019.

Back then, 53 percent voiced concerns over safety, with economic anxieties at 28 percent.

Pomiés emphasized the importance of these issues in the upcoming presidential pre-election debates, scheduled before the June 30 internal elections.

These discussions are crucial as they precede the October 27 general elections, which will determine President Luis Lacalle Pou’s successor.

This national survey, conducted from May 16 to 29 with 1,501 phone interviews, revealed prevalent fears and the nation’s political and social pulse.

Public safety’s persistence as a concern highlights deep-seated crime and personal security issues resonating with the populace.

This ongoing concern significantly influences political dialogues and has the potential to shape the future leadership of Uruguay.