Too many politicians, journalist and intellectuals believe in popular policy should boost politicians political popularity.
They just think on people protesting on the street, while forgetting the silent majority.
Dont underestimate general public comprehension on economic policy, majority of them does understand the need to stay prudent in economy and the necessity to do some unpopular policy in order to save the economy and has lasting economic growth in long run.
Take example of what happening in Indonesia. Jokowi approval rating before the hike of fuel price around 30 % is around 68 percent. He raised fuel price around 30 % ( despite Indonesia state budget is basically still able to withstand higher subsidy ) in September 1, and then his approval rating going down into just 60 %, but just less than a month, still in September, regardless of labor and student protest his approval rating go up again at 68 %
In May 2022 his approval rating is just 58 % despite his assurance that fuel subsidy (and other subsidy like electricity, etc) remain intact
Figures released by Jakarta-based pollster Indikator Politik Indonesia showed that satisfaction with the nation's president, widely known by as Jokowi, fell to 58.1 percent this May.
www.thejakartapost.com
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About a week after raising 30 % fuel price, his approval rating is down to 60 %
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After about 3 weeks, his approval rating increase again into 68 %
Lembaga Survei Indikator Politik Indonesia merilis hasil survei terkait kepuasan kinerja Presiden Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
www.tribunnews.com