Optimism with the economy reduces rejection of Lula; meeting with Maduro tarnishes evaluation

Approval for the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) rose five percentage points in two months according to the Genial/Quaest poll released this Wednesday (21), rising from 51% to 56%. The improvement in performance was mainly due to voters’ optimism regarding the direction of the economy, such as the drop in fuel prices (see full text).

The perception of improvement in the economy in the last 12 months went from 23% to 32%, while a worsening decreased from 34% to 26%. For the next 12 months, 56% of voters surveyed by Quaest are expected to improve, while 25% believe it will deteriorate.

The survey also revealed an increase in expectations for a drop in unemployment (29% to 32%) and inflation (19% to 29%) and an increase in purchasing power (27% to 31%).

On the other hand, the government’s disapproval index fluctuated within the margin of error of 2.2 percentage points, changing from 42% in April to 40% in June. Lula’s positive rating also fluctuated in the same index, from 36% to 37%, while the regular rating rose from 29% to 32%.

Voters interviewed by Quaest also pointed out that the most negative news they had heard from the Lula government so far was the meeting with Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, at the end of May, according to 10% of those interviewed. Another 7% claim to have heard that the president does not do what he promises or is corrupt, and 2% point out flaws in Bolsa Família and in prison aid.

The Quaest survey also shows that a small proportion of former president Jair Bolsonaro’s (PL) voters reduced their rejection of Lula, from 81% to 76%.

Methodology

Quaest heard 2,029 people between the 15th and 18th of June in 120 Brazilian municipalities. The margin of error is 2.2 percentage points and the confidence level is 95%. The complete survey can be accessed here.