Lula's Approval Inches Up: Political Dynamics and Future Prospects

Brazilian President Lula's approval rating inched up to 36% in October from 35% in July, amid a politically unstable landscape with former President Bolsonaro unable to run for office until 2030. Disapproval dropped slightly to 32%, while past ratings indicate a challenging political environment for Lula.

The approval rating for Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government experienced a slight increase this October. According to a Friday report by pollster Datafolha, the current approval registered at 36%, up from 35% in July.

This change is noteworthy as Lula's current support contrasts starkly with his previous term's end in 2010 when his ratings soared past 80%. Despite these fluctuations, Lula is anticipated to seek re-election in 2026. However, the political terrain in Brazil remains unpredictable, especially with the far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro being barred from public office until 2030, potentially altering electoral dynamics.

Datafolha's recent survey highlighted Lula's government disapproval rating at 32%, a slight decline from July's 33%. This data emerges as, during the same period of his tenure, Bolsonaro held a 37% approval against a 34% disapproval rating. The survey, conducted on October 7-8 with 2,029 voters, maintains a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.

(With inputs from agencies.)