Research Genial/Quaest released this Tuesday (16) shows that 49% of Brazilians disapprove of the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula of Silva (PT). Outros 48% say they approve of the current federal management. The difference between disapproval and approval was just one percentage point, which represents the smallest distance recorded since the beginning of the current term.
The survey interviewed 2,004 people between December 11th and 14th across the country. The margin of error is plus or minus two percentage points, with a 95% confidence level. Data were collected in person in 120 municipalities in the 27 states of the federation.
The result shows a slight worsening compared to the previous survey by the same institution, carried out in November, when approval was 49% and disapproval was 47%. Approval dropped one point and disapproval rose two points within a month.
Assessment of current management
Respondents were asked directly about approval or disapproval of the government. The portion that chose “neither approve nor disapprove” was not mentioned in the survey.
The negative assessment of the government
Evolution of evaluations throughout the year
Since the beginning of 2025, government approval has fluctuated between 45% and 52%. Disapproval, in turn, ranged from 42% to 50% in the same surveys.
The December survey recorded the first time that disapproval exceeded approval, although within the margin of error. Esse movement occurred after months of relative stability in the indices.
The population’s perception of the economy influenced the numbers. Questões such as inflation and employment appear as relevant factors in negative evaluations.
Main reasons cited by interviewees
The survey did not detail specific reasons for approval or disapproval. Estudos previous studies in the same series indicated that topics such as cost of living, public health and safety appear among the main ones.
The perception of the government’s performance in managing the economy was one of the most cited points in previous surveys. Medidas adopted in recent months also impacted public opinion.
Regional and demographic scenario
Disapproval is highest in the Sudeste and Sul regions of the country. In Nessas areas, failure rates reached 53% in some states.
In Nordeste, approval is still majority, with rates close to 55%. Sudeste concentrates the largest portion of respondents with a negative opinion.
Among voters of different age groups, disapproval is greater among younger people. In the range of 16 to 24 years old, disapproval reached 52% of respondents.
National political context
The result comes amid debates about the economic agenda and reforms underway in the Congresso. The government seeks to approve measures that directly impact the population.
The opposition has used the data to criticize the management. Partidos allies, on the other hand, highlight advances in social policies and income transfer programs.
The Genial/Quaest survey has been carried out monthly since the beginning of the mandate. The surveys follow a standardized methodology and are widely used by political analysts.
Comparison with other recent research
Other institutions have recorded similar movements in recent months. Approval of the Lula government varied between 45% and 50% in different polls.
The margin between approval and disapproval has progressively narrowed. December’s result represents the most critical point to date.
The scenario requires government attention to issues that generate popular dissatisfaction. The administration has adopted measures to try to reverse the negative trend.
