- Approval hits 24% – lowest across Lula's three presidential terms
- Food inflation reaches 8% annual increase despite GDP growth
- 1 in 10 Brazilians experienced phone theft in past year
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confronts unprecedented political challenges as new polling data reveals only 24% of Brazilians approve of his administration. This marks the lowest rating in his career, surpassing previous lows during his first presidency. While Brazil's economy expanded by 2.9% last quarter and unemployment fell to 7.8%, everyday citizens grapple with supermarket prices that rose nearly 8% year-over-year – particularly devastating for the 28% of households living below the poverty line.
The northern zone of Rio de Janeiro exemplifies this crisis. Anderson Vianna, a lifelong Lula supporter, now questions his allegiance after repeated phone thefts and spiraling meat prices. My family budget buys 30% less than in 2022,the 45-year-old sales representative told local media. This sentiment echoes across urban centers where food inflation compounds security fears – IPSOS reports 63% of citizens rank crime as their top concern.
Three critical factors undermine Lula's historical base:
- Climate-driven crop failures doubling rice prices since January
- Dollar strength increasing import costs by 15%
- Bolsonaro allies amplifying tax policy fears through social media
The administration's response includes bold economic measures. Vice President Alckmin recently eliminated import tariffs on six staple foods, while a proposed income tax exemption could benefit 42 million workers. However, communication failures persist – only 31% of citizens recognize these initiatives according to Quaest polling.
Security policy faces equal scrutiny. Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski proposes hiking cellphone theft penalties to 12 years imprisonment, alongside a national surveillance network expansion. Yet critics argue these measures ignore root causes – 58% of stolen devices flow through organized crime networks according to São Paulo security analysts.
With 2026 elections looming, political analysts identify three potential scenarios:
- Tax reforms passing by Q3 2024 could regain middle-class support
- Bolsonaro's trial may polarize voters further
- Emerging centrist candidates threaten both PT and PL bases
As Lula strategists work to counter misinformation campaigns – including false claims about PIX payment taxes – the President faces an urgent need to reconnect with Brazil's working class. Governing through social media storms requires constant adaptation,notes digital strategist Mariana Costa. Recent data shows 72% of Gen Z voters now get political news through TikTok and WhatsApp.