In a recent survey, a majority of Brazilians have shown disapproval of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's handling of the country's economy, amidst escalating inflation rates that are causing anxiety among voters leading up to next year's elections. The poll, conducted by Quaest and commissioned by brokerage Genial, revealed a significant drop in approval ratings for Lula, who is contemplating a potential re-election bid.
The study indicated that only 41% of respondents approve of Lula's administration, down from 47% earlier this year, while disapproval ratings have increased to 56%, marking the highest level of disapproval during his three non-consecutive terms in office. Lula's stronghold in the northeastern region also showed a decline in support, signaling widespread discontent with the current state of affairs.
The declining popularity of the 79-year-old leftist leader comes at a time when his main political opponent, right-wing former President Jair Bolsonaro, is facing legal restrictions and a trial for alleged involvement in a government overthrow plot post his defeat in the 2022 elections. With Bolsonaro out of the political picture until 2030, the path seems clearer for Lula's potential re-election bid, despite the recent downturn in public sentiment.
Efforts by the government to boost Lula's popularity, such as proposed income tax exemptions for lower earners and reduced import taxes on certain goods to combat food inflation, have so far failed to sway public opinion. The director of Quaest, Felipe Nunes, attributed the sustained disapproval to the deteriorating economic outlook, driven by soaring food prices and increasing fuel costs, creating a perception among Brazilians that their purchasing power has diminished compared to the previous year.
Brazil's inflation rate recently hit a two-year high of 5.26%, exceeding the central bank's target range of 1.5%-4.5%, prompting policymakers to implement tighter monetary measures. The Genial/Quaest poll, conducted in late March, sampled 2,004 eligible voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points. As the country grapples with economic challenges and public discontent, the upcoming elections are poised to be a critical juncture in shaping Brazil's political landscape.