President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, often regarded as one of Brazil’s most iconic political figures, is now grappling with a dramatic decline in his popularity, signaling a shift in the political landscape that could have lasting consequences for the country.
According to a Datafolha Institute study published on Friday, February 14, only 24% of Brazilians currently hold a positive view of his presidency, 11 points lower than in mid-December 2024; 41% now view his performance as “bad” or “deplorable.”
At the start of the administration in 2023, positive approval was at 40% and negative at 20% in February. The positive rating reached 42% in August 2023.
The downturn follows a series of challenges facing the government, particularly the rising inflation.
The Brazilian economy has enjoyed strong growth, and the jobs market has been hot under his two-year presidency, but rising prices and what some Brazilians consider to be government overreach are sapping support for the president.
But National editorials and social media suggest Lula’s waning popularity is also tied to issues like public security, political corruption, out-of-control spending and foreign policy.
Looking Ahead
As Lula navigates these turbulent waters, questions loom over whether his government can recover from its current slump.
The upcoming 2026 elections will be crucial in determining the future of Brazil’s political landscape, as potential challengers from across the spectrum begin to position themselves for a showdown at the ballot box, particularly right and extreme right parties, In the meantime, Lula’s legacy hangs in the balance, with his supporters and critics alike closely watching the unfolding political drama.
With a nation divided and public opinion shifting, only time will tell if the former president can regain the trust of the Brazilian people or if his political star has begun to fade.
Fontes: Bloomberg and Yahoo News