President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s approval rating has plunged to 24%, the lowest point across his three terms, according to a Datafolha survey published on February 14, 2025.
This marks an 11-point drop since December 2024, while disapproval has surged from 34% to 41%. The poll, conducted among 2,007 voters across 113 cities with a two-point margin of error, underscores mounting public dissatisfaction with Lula’s administration.
Economic challenges lie at the heart of this decline. Rising food prices, which increased by an average of 7.7% in 2024—well above the official inflation rate of 4.83%—have hit low-income families hardest. Lula’s comments urging consumers to avoid expensive products were perceived as dismissive, further alienating his base.
His government’s handling of the so-called “Pix crisis,” involving a now-retracted proposal for stricter oversight of financial transactions, added fuel to public frustration. The backlash forced Lula to reshuffle his communication team in an effort to regain control of the narrative.
Lula’s Approval Hits 24%, Marking the Worst Rating Across His Three Presidencies. (Photo Internet reproduction)
Lula’s Approval Hits 24%, Marking the Worst Rating Across His Three Presidencies
The erosion of support is particularly striking among key demographics. Approval among low-income voters earning up to two minimum wages dropped from 44% in December to just 29%.
In the Northeast, a region that has historically backed Lula and his Workers’ Party (PT)approval fell from 49% to 33%. Even among those with only primary education—a core constituency—approval declined by 15 points to 38%.
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Lula’s current disapproval rate surpasses that of his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro at the same stage of their terms, though Bolsonaro maintained a higher approval rating of 31% compared to Lula’s 24%. Analysts suggest this reflects not only economic dissatisfaction but also growing polarization and political opposition amplified through social media.
The government has pledged measures like raising the minimum wage and advancing social benefits to reverse the trend. However, political observers note that structural economic challenges and heightened scrutiny from opponents make recovery difficult.
Comparisons with Lula’s earlier terms highlight the contrast: while his first two presidencies benefited from economic growth and popular programs like Bolsa Família, his third term faces stagnation and inflation.
As Lula approaches the midpoint of his term, these figures raise questions about his ability to stabilize public opinion ahead of Brazil’s next presidential election in 2026.
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