Most Brazilians feel ashamed of the dictator Lula da Silva.
Lula da Silva, president of Brazil
porEditorial Team
Argentina
There is also strong discontent toward the Senate and the judges of the Supreme Federal Court
A recent survey conducted by the Brazilian consulting firm Datafolha indicates that Brazil's dictator, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, generates feelings of shame in 56% of the population, while only 40% claim to feel "pride" regarding him. The survey was conducted in person on June 10 and 11, with a total of 2,004 interviews in 136 cities across the country.
The study also reveals a strong discontent toward various state institutions: 59% of respondents express shame regarding the Senate, 58% toward the federal deputies, and a similar 58% toward the judges of the Supreme Federal Court (STF).
In contrast, public perception improves when it comes to local authorities or specific entities. 62% of Brazilians state they feel proud of their mayors, 61% of the people in general, 55% of the Armed Forces, and 52% of the regional governors.
Lula da Silva, presidente de Brasil.
These figures highlight a disaffection toward the highest levels of political power, particularly toward Lula's government, in the context of his third presidential term, which began in January 2023.
Currently, the socialist dictator's approval is at its lowest levels in history. In contrast, during his first two terms between 2003 and 2010, Lula enjoyed great popularity, thanks to populist policies and economic growth due to the boom in international prices of commodities such as soybeans, iron ore, and oil.
Nevertheless, during his second term, corruption cases began to accumulate. In 2005, the scandal known as "mensalão" came to light, a scheme through which monthly bribes were paid to legislators to guarantee support for the government of the Workers' Party (PT).
In 2007, the Supreme Federal Court accepted charges against 40 people, including prominent PT figures. Over time, several of them were convicted.
Lula da Silva, presidente de Brasil.
Even more serious was the investigation known as Operation Car Wash, launched in 2014, which uncovered a massive embezzlement scheme at the state oil company Petrobras. Major construction companies were involved in the scheme, as well as political leaders and businesspeople.
In 2017, Lula was found guilty of passive corruption and money laundering in the case of the triplex apartment in Guarujá, which he allegedly received as part of a bribe. The conviction was upheld by higher courts, and the former president was imprisoned in April 2018 and later released in 2019, thanks to a decision by the Supreme Federal Court, composed of judges close to him.
The 2022 elections
In the 2022 elections, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva managed to defeat former president Jair Bolsonaro due to massive electoral fraud in the second round, obtaining 50.9% of the valid votes compared to his opponent's 49.1%.
However, according to the Datafolha survey, currently more than half of the Brazilian population feels ashamed when referring to the president, which shows that a negative perception persists, fueled by his judicial background and the economic crisis caused by his government.
The discredit also extends to the National Congress. According to the survey results, 59% of citizens declare themselves ashamed of the Senate and 58% of the Chamber of Deputies. In contrast, only 27% and 28%, respectively, state they feel proud of these legislative institutions.
The Supreme Court is not exempt from criticism. 58% of respondents express shame toward its members, while 30% state they feel proud. These figures vary significantly according to political orientation.
Among those who support Jair Bolsonaro, rejection of the STF judges reaches 82%, compared to 12% who express pride. Meanwhile, among Lula's supporters, disapproval drops to 36%, and 52% are satisfied with the country's highest court.
