In a recent opinion survey conducted by Equipos Consultores, a group of people were asked Which politicians do you consider most remarkable?, and some names were more resonated than others in terms of popularity and valuation. It is important to note that being popular does not necessarily mean getting votes. It may be a necessary condition, but not a sufficient one. Therefore, the results presented here should not be considered as indicators of electoral preference.
Among the 32 leaders that Equipos Consultores submits for public consideration, there are two that are widely known: former President Mujica and President Lacalle Pou.
Following are figures such as former president Julio María Sanguinetti, senator from Open Town Hall Guido Manini Ríos and the former senator from Colorado Pedro Bordaberry, which are located at a level close to 95% recognition. Both Sanguinetti and Bordaberry have extensive political careers. However, it is striking that the senator and leader of the Cabildo Abierto, who entered political activity in 2019, equals them in levels of visibility.
A little further down is one of the main historical figures of the Broad Front, Danilo Astorialong with Senator John Sartori (also recently incorporated into politics) and the mayor of Montevideo, Carolina Cosse, with levels close to 90%. This third line has not been in charge of presidential campaigns, but they have participated in pre-presidential campaigns within their respective parties at different times. In any case, the similar level of recognition between Danilo Astori, with his outstanding political career, and Juan Sartori is striking.
Among the other figures that are among the 15 best known, all with a recognition level of 80% or higher, include some ministers in charge of relevant areas of the country, such as Luis Alberto Heber in safety and Paul Mieres at work. There is also the vice president Beatriz Argimonwho starred in the 2019 election campaign along with the current president.
Very close to her are other figures who, beyond the positions they currently hold, share the fact of having been or are being considered as pre-candidates for the two largest parties in the country. On the part of the Broad Front, they are Yamandu Orsi and Oscar Andrade (in addition to Caroline Cosse mentioned above), while for the National Party there are Laura Raffo and Alvaro Delgado.
The politicians who have the most sympathies: José Mujica is the most admired political leader
The ex-president Jose Mujica stands out as the political leader who receives the greatest amount of “sympathy” from the population, with a 50% approval. Her charisma and humble lifestyle continue to garner admiration and respect among citizens.
On a second step is the current president, Luis Lacalle Pou, who has a level of appreciation of 43%, a figure similar to the evaluation of his performance as the country’s leader. According to the latest survey by Equipos Consultores, 45% of those surveyed approve of his work as head of government.
In a third step, with around 35% sympathythere are figures like Carolina Cosse, Danilo Astori, Yamandú Orsi and Daniel Salinas. These political leaders, who are emerging as important Broad Front candidates for the upcoming elections, are recognized for their careers and experience in the political arena, despite not currently holding high-profile public positions.
Standing out among the leaders of the government Coalition is someone who currently does not participate in political activity and has stated that he will not do so in the future: the former Minister of Public Health, Daniel Salinas. His management during the pandemic and his focus on the well-being of the population have given him a positive image and high approval among citizens.
It is interesting to note that many of the political leaders who receive the most sympathy are also the best known. There is a clear relationship between both indicators: if more people know someone, it is more likely that they will “sympathy” or “dislike”. However, it is also notable when this relationship occurs in a less linear way, as in the case of leaders who, due to their recognition, receive more “like” or “dislike” than would be normal.
For example, both the Minister of Economy, Azucena Arbeleche, like the former Minister of Public Health, Daniel Salinas, are not among the 15 best-known leaders, but they are among the 15 leaders who receive the most sympathy. In the same way, there is a favorable relationship between their level of recognition and the sympathy they arouse. The same happens with Yamandú Orsi, Danilo Astori and Carolina Cosse.
