Surveys published today show a drop to historic lows in the approval rating of Chilean President José Antonio Kast, following the crisis sparked by the reduction of sentences for individuals convicted of sexual abuse against minors.

According to the poll conducted by Pulso Ciudadano, approval of the president plummeted to 22.1 percent, while disapproval rose to 67.5 percent.

The firm also surveyed citizens regarding the decision by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights to grant prison benefits to 56 inmates convicted of rape and other crimes against children and adolescents.

In that regard, 71.7 out of every 100 respondents evaluated the government’s handling of the situation as bad or very bad, and 74.2 percent indicated that Kast made a mistake and should demand the resignation of the minister heading that portfolio, Fernando Rabat.

Two other polling agencies, Criteria and Cadem, measured the same parameters.

The former notes that Kast’s approval dropped two points compared to the previous survey, reaching 25 percent, while the latter shows a three-point decline to 26 percent.

A total of 72 out of every 100 people surveyed by Criteria disagree with the president’s decision to keep the Justice Minister in office, and 70 percent of those questioned by Cadem hold the same opinion.

The release of individuals responsible for child abuse and of some prisoners convicted of human rights violations during the dictatorship sparked protest demonstrations, while in Parliament, the opposition is considering a constitutional impeachment motion against Rabat.