The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, often regarded as one of the country’s most iconic political figures, is now facing a sharp decline in his popularity, signaling a shift in the political landscape that could have lasting consequences for the country.
According to a study by the Datafolha Institute, published on Friday, February 14, only 24% of Brazilians currently have a positive view of his presidency, 11 points down from mid-December 2024; 41% now consider his performance to be “bad” or “deplorable.”
At the beginning of his government in 2023, positive approval was at 40% and negative at 20% in February. Positive ratings reached 42% in August 2023. The decline follows a series of challenges faced by the government, particularly rising inflation.
The Brazilian economy experienced strong growth, and the job market was robust under his presidency, but rising prices and what some Brazilians consider excessive government intervention are diminishing support for the president. However, national editorials and social media suggest that Lula’s declining popularity is also linked to issues such as public safety, political corruption, uncontrolled spending, and foreign policy.
Looking to the Future
As Lula navigates these turbulent waters, questions arise about whether his government will be able to recover from the current crisis.
The upcoming 2026 elections will be crucial in determining the future of the Brazilian political landscape, as potential opponents from across the spectrum begin to position themselves for a showdown at the polls, particularly right-wing and far-right parties.
Meanwhile, Lula’s legacy is at stake, with his supporters and critics closely watching the unfolding political drama.
With a divided nation and shifting public opinion, 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.
Sources: Bloomberg and Yahoo News