São Paulo residents show strong disapproval of Lula’s government, though approval ratings see a modest rise

The administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva currently faces significant disapproval among São Paulo voters, with 54.7% expressing dissatisfaction with his government. This sentiment reflects ongoing public scrutiny in one of Brazil’s most populous and economically vital states.

Conversely, 42.1% of respondents in São Paulo voiced their approval of the federal government’s performance. A small segment, 3.2%, either did not know how to respond or chose not to offer an opinion, indicating a largely formed public perception.

These figures, gathered from recent polling data, highlight a persistent challenge for the current administration in connecting with a key portion of the electorate. The state’s political landscape often serves as a barometer for broader national trends.

Public sentiment shifts for federal management

Recent data indicates a slight improvement in public opinion regarding President Lula’s government compared to previous assessments. The approval rating, which stood at 38.1% in a similar survey conducted in August of last year, has seen an uptick.

Concurrently, the rate of disapproval experienced a reduction, decreasing from 58.2% in the prior polling period. These shifts suggest a dynamic public response, possibly influenced by recent governmental actions or evolving economic conditions. In the earlier survey, 3.7% of individuals were undecided or chose not to comment.

This marginal positive movement, though not enough to shift the majority sentiment to approval, signals that some aspects of the administration’s strategy may be resonating with a segment of the population. The changing percentages underscore the fluid nature of political perception in Brazil.

Evaluating government performance beyond approval

Beyond a simple approval or disapproval metric, respondents were also asked to categorize their overall evaluation of President Lula’s tenure. A substantial 46.7% rated the government as “bad” or “terrible,” articulating a clear dissatisfaction with its direction and policies.

In contrast, 30.7% of those surveyed offered a positive assessment, classifying the government’s performance as “great” or “good.” This distinction between overall approval and specific performance evaluation provides a more nuanced understanding of public sentiment.

A smaller proportion, 1.5% of the electorate, remained unsure or did not provide an opinion when asked to rate the government’s quality. This indicates a general tendency among São Paulo residents to hold definite views on the federal administration’s effectiveness.

Comparison of management evaluations over time

Analyzing the assessment of the government’s quality against previous findings reveals slight but notable changes in perception. In the prior survey, the percentage of those who deemed the administration “bad” or “terrible” was 48.7%, indicating a modest decline in outright negative views.

Conversely, the proportion of individuals who rated the government’s performance as “great” or “good” saw an increase from 28.1% previously. This indicates a growing segment of the population that views the federal management more favorably, aligning with the rise in overall approval.

The consistency in the undecided rate, remaining at 1.5% for both evaluations, suggests that the shifts are primarily occurring among those with established opinions rather than a conversion from indecision. These trends offer insights into the evolving political landscape.

The economic and social policies implemented by the current administration play a crucial role in shaping these perceptions. Factors such as inflation control, employment rates, and social program effectiveness are often at the forefront of citizens’ minds when evaluating national leadership.

Survey methodology and key parameters

The findings presented are based on a comprehensive survey conducted by a reputable institute, ensuring a robust representation of public opinion. A total of 1,580 eligible voters were interviewed in person, facilitating direct and detailed responses.

The fieldwork for this specific survey took place between February 6 and February 10, 2025, capturing recent public sentiment. The methodology adhered to stringent standards, critical for producing reliable and statistically significant results.

The survey carries a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points, either above or below the stated figures, with a confidence interval of 95%. This statistical rigor ensures the reported percentages accurately reflect the broader population within acceptable bounds.

This research was executed using the institute’s own resources, reinforcing its independence and impartiality. The survey’s registration with the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) under protocol BR-07683/2026 further validates its adherence to electoral polling regulations.

Political landscape in São Paulo

São Paulo, as Brazil’s largest city and economic powerhouse, frequently serves as a critical battleground in national political discourse. The sentiments expressed by its electorate often differ from national averages due to its unique demographic and socio-economic composition.

Public opinion in the state is keenly watched by political strategists and analysts, as it can influence broader perceptions and campaign approaches across the country. The state’s electoral weight is considerable, making any shifts in approval or disapproval particularly impactful.