Approval Rating for Brazilian President Lula da Silva Plummets Amidst Crises
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's approval ratings have reached record lows as his administration faces multiple challenges.
A recent survey by DataFolha revealed that only 24% of Brazilians view the Lula government positively, down from 35% in December. Conversely, the percentage who disapprove has surged to 41%, the highest ever recorded.
The decline in support coincides with an economic downturn marked by rising food prices and inflation. Brazilian assets, including the real and Ibovespa stock index, initially rallied following the poll's release, but analysts attribute this to short-term speculation rather than a fundamental shift in sentiment.
Lula's popularity has also been eroded by the spread of fake news and perceived government overreach. A recent campaign against the regulation of a popular digital payment system has put the president on the defensive and forced him to reshuffle his cabinet.
Analysts note that the decline in approval ratings could pose challenges for Lula's future political ambitions, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the economy and the potential for increased competition in the 2026 presidential election.