Datafolha: Lula reaps rewards, but sees limits to his agenda – 01/04/2023 – Bruno Boghossian

Lula decided to open his third term with a quick return investment. In the opening months, the petista bet on the contrast with Jair Bolsonaro, rescued programs demolished by his predecessor, relaunched marks of past administrations and sought to strengthen a connection with the core of his electorate.

Datafolha’s first poll on the government’s popularity shows signs of the reach of these choices. Lula 3 reaped short-term results in groups eager to recover public policies, but he also sees the limitations of a platform focused on his own base.

The resumption of environmental actions, aid to the Yanomami, the recreation of the Ministry of Culture and the return of Bolsa Família reinforced the bond with faithful segments of the PT coalition. Among the poorest, 45% say that the government is great or good.

It would not be a bad result in less than 100 days of office. The political circumstances, however, do not offer Lula much comfort.

The president faces hesitations within his coalition. In the second round, he left the polls with 51% of the votes. Five months later, he has the approval of 38% of voters – which suggests that almost 8 million people brought the PT back to power, but did not immediately embark on their honeymoon.

The government also faces the crystallization of the chasms of a close election. Bolsonarism maintains a certain unity and offers few teaspoons. Lula has above-average rejection among evangelicals and in higher-income segments.

Even some members of Lula’s coalition exert pressure on the president. Among the poorest, only a third think he will deliver on all his campaign promises, and about half say he has, so far, done less than expected.

Lula is far from a dramatic situation at the start of his term, but he also doesn’t have a stock of popularity to burn in a complicated economic scenario. The government will still have to win over voters outside its base.

PRESENT LINK: Did you like this text? Subscriber can release five free hits of any link per day. Just click the blue F below.