Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s approval rating has fallen dramatically to 24%, the lowest in his presidency, according to a Datafolha Institute study. Currently, 41% of Brazilians view his performance negatively. This decline surpasses previous lows during scandals in his past terms and aligns him with Jair Bolsonaro’s low ratings in 2021. Lula, once celebrated for high approval rates and economic progress, now faces significant public disapproval.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s popularity in Brazil has notably declined, reaching a historically low level. A recent Datafolha Institute poll shows that only 24% of Brazilians view his presidency positively, marking an 11-point drop since December 2024. In contrast, 41% of respondents characterize his performance as either “bad” or “deplorable.”
This discontent is unprecedented for Lula, who has faced similar challenges in past terms but never to this extent. During the infamous “mensalao” corruption scandal in 2005, his approval hit a low of 28%. His current ratings align with those of former President Jair Bolsonaro, known for his ineffective pandemic response, who had just 22% support by late 2021.
Gone are the days when Lula was hailed as a prominent political figure; he enjoyed an extraordinary 87% approval rate when he left office in 2011. At that time, his administration was celebrated for strong economic growth, significant reductions in poverty, and environmental efforts, such as curtailing deforestation in the Amazon, plus winning the bid for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
In summary, Lula’s current unpopularity contrasts sharply with his previous political standing. His approval ratings have significantly decreased due to public dissatisfaction with his governance, which is now comparable to his political opponents with poor legacies. The dramatic fall from a high approval rating to around 24% highlights the changing sentiments of the Brazilian populace. While once considered one of the most admired leaders globally, Lula now faces substantial challenges in restoring his public image and addressing the concerns of his constituents.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
