Quaest: Lula's approval rating rises to 46%; disapproval rating is at 51%.

247 - The latest Quaest survey, released this Wednesday (20) by g1The data shows that approval of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's (PT) government reached 46%, while disapproval fell to 51%. In July, the figures were 43% and 53%, respectively. This is the smallest difference between approval and disapproval since January 2025, when there was a technical tie (49% versus 47%).

According to Felipe Nunes, director of Quaest, the more positive performance is linked to two main factors: the perception of falling food prices and Lula's firm response to the tariff increases imposed by the President of the United States, Donald Trump. “The improvement in Lula's government approval rating in August results from a combination of economic and political factors. On the one hand, the perception of falling food prices brought relief to families and reduced pressure on the cost of living. On the other hand, Lula's firm stance against the tariff increases imposed by Donald Trump was seen as a sign of leadership and defense of national interests,” he highlighted.

Evolution of numbers

The difference between approval and disapproval, which reached 17 points in May (57% versus 40%), fell to just 5 points. Positive evaluations of the Lula government grew especially in the Northeast, where it rose from 53% to 60%. In the Central-West and North, the index went from 40% to 44%. In the Southeast, although there was improvement, disapproval still exceeds approval: 55% versus 42%. In the South, disapproval remains at 61%, while approval fluctuated from 35% to 38%.

Electorate profile

Among men, the negative difference with Lula decreased by nine points compared to the previous month. Among women, the scenario is a technical tie, with 48% approval and 49% disapproval.

By age group, the biggest change occurred among Brazilians aged 60 and over: 55% approve and 42% disapprove. Among young people aged 16 to 34, disapproval fell from 58% to 54%, while approval rose from 38% to 43%.

In the analysis by education level, the government improved its approval rating among people with completed primary education or less, reaching 56%. On the other hand, disapproval increased among those with higher education, reaching 56%.

When broken down by income, the poorest (earning up to two minimum wages) increased their approval rating from 46% to 55%, while disapproval fell from 49% to 40%. Among the wealthiest (earning more than five minimum wages), 60% continue to disapprove of the administration.

Religion and social programs

Catholics have once again increased their approval of the government: 54% compared to 44%. Among evangelicals, 65% still disapprove, although this has decreased compared to July (69%).

The approval rating among Bolsa Família beneficiaries rose from 50% to 60%, while disapproval fell from 45% to 37%. Among non-beneficiaries, 54% disapprove and 43% approve.

Impact of Trump's tariff hikes

The survey also investigated perceptions of the tariffs imposed by the United States on Brazilian products. 51% of respondents believe the measure is politically motivated by Donald Trump, while 23% believe it is about defending commercial interests. Another 64% believe the tariffs will increase food prices in Brazil.

The research also indicates that 71% consider it wrong for the American president to impose tariffs under the argument of persecuting Jair Bolsonaro (PL). Furthermore, 77% believe that the measures will harm their lives. The majority of Brazilians (67%) advocate that Brazil negotiate a way out of the crisis, while only 26% support retaliating against the United States with new tariffs.

General evaluation

In the overall assessment of the government, 31% rated Lula's administration as positive, 39% as negative, and 27% as average. The Quaest survey, commissioned by Genial Investimentos, was conducted between August 13 and 17, with a 95% confidence level.