UFG Survey: Despite Economic Struggles, Most Salvadorans Support the Country’s Current Direction

By Eddie Galdamez  |  October 10, 2024

The “Rumbo País 2024” survey released today by Disruptiva of the Francisco Gavidia University (UFG) shows that Salvadorans remain confident in the country’s direction despite economic challenges.

When asked, How do you see the future of the country? 58.2% responded optimistically. On the other hand, 31.8% stated uncertainty, 7.9% expressed pessimism, and 2.1% did not provide a response.

Additionally, when asked about the country’s direction, only 7.9% believed the country was headed the wrong way. In contrast, 11.8% indicated it was on a very good course, while 42.9% felt it was heading in a good direction.

Nonetheless, despite the prevailing optimism among Salvadorans about the country’s direction, the survey shows that individuals face a dire economic situation.

Most Salvadorans are not making enough to cover the high cost of living in El Salvador! This was evident when asked about their budget.

Only 22.9% reported that their family budget was sufficient to meet their needs. 45.7% remarked that their budget was very tight, and 31.4% reported that it wasn’t enough to cover their needs.

Furthermore, the survey shows that the costs that have risen the most in their economy are those of food (66.8%), essential services such as water, electricity, and internet (17.6%), and medicines (8%).

Only 22% of the population can afford to meet their basic needs, and foods are the products that have seen the most price increases. Oscar Picardo, Francisco Gavidia University.

SEE ALSO: President Nayib Bukele’s Approval Rating: What’s Behind the President’s Popularity?

Despite the economic challenges, Salvadorans gave high marks to the Bukele administration. Nayib Bukele received a score of 8.43 out of 10, while the administration’s overall performance was rated 7.49.

Picardo explained that the connection between the economic crisis and the government’s strong approval can be attributed to one key factor: “There is faith.”

There is strong public trust in the Bukele government. “People believe that if the security issue is resolved, the economic challenges will be addressed in the future,” noted Picardo.