Approval of Lula’s Government Rises in Brazil

Approval of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government rose by seven percentage points in two months, reaching 50 percent today, according to the Pulso Brasil survey conducted by the Institute of Social, Political and Economic Research (Ipespe).

In this way, the current administration reversed recent negative trends and regained support among segments of the middle class and voters leaning toward the political center.

The data also show a significant recovery in public confidence.

In July, 51 percent disapproved of the progressive leader’s administration, compared to 43 percent who expressed support.

Disapproval had reached a concerning 54 percent in May, while support stood at 40 percent.

According to Ipespe, Lula’s most loyal base continues to be left-leaning voters, among whom support reaches 95 percent.

However, the most notable finding is that the former union leader now surpasses disapproval among centrist voters.

In the middle-class segment—historically more volatile and critical—the government secures 51 percent approval. Among centrist voters, it reaches 49 percent.

These numbers mark a shift compared to the early months of the year.

The survey indicates that the perception of the Executive has strengthened, despite ongoing tensions with the National Congress and the effects of U.S. tariff policy.

Both factors had weighed on Lula’s popularity during the first half of the year.

The results suggest a rebuilding of strategic support that could expand the government’s room for maneuver on legislative matters.

The consolidation of centrist backing is seen as key to sustaining pending reforms in Parliament.

The rebound also opens a scenario of greater confidence for the ruling Workers’ Party, which had faced difficulties in uniting its base around the economic agenda.

The survey, which reflects a less adverse climate for the government, was conducted September 19–22, a period that did not include the impact of recent protests against the so-called Shield Amendment (PEC, which expands protection for lawmakers against judicial investigations) nor Lula’s forceful address at the United Nations.

In total, 2,500 people were interviewed across all regions of the country. The margin of error is plus or minus two percentage points, with a confidence interval of 95.45 percent, reinforcing the consistency of the findings.