The Lula government scores worst precisely in the areas Brazilians consider most important for the next president, according to a Datafolha poll released Sunday. Public security leads criticisms (16%), followed by health (15%), economy and anti-corruption efforts (13% each) — the same areas respondents point to as priorities for 2027. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Para 16% da população, a área em que o governo se saiu pior foi a segurança pública, o maior porcentual. Em seguida, aparecem saúde (15%), economia (13%) e combate à corrupção (13%)."
When asked about priorities for the next presidential term, 34% cited health, 15% education, 12% public security and 11% economy. The paradox: three of the four most desired areas by voters are among the four worst evaluations of the current government. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O Datafolha questionou os entrevistados sobre qual deve ser a prioridade do próximo presidente, e 34% apontam a área da saúde. Educação é o segunda área mais citada (15%), seguida por segurança pública (12%) e economia (11%)."
On the positive side, combating hunger and misery leads with 13% of mentions as the government's best area, followed by fighting unemployment and education (10% each). Datafolha interviewed 2,004 people aged 16 or older between May 12-13, with a margin of error of 2 percentage points. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"combate à fome e à miséria — 13%; combate ao desemprego — 10%; educação — 10%"
The poll is registered with TSE under code BR-00290/2026 and cost R$307,641.60, paid with the institute's own resources. Interviews were conducted in-person across 139 Brazilian municipalities, with a 95% confidence level. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O Datafolha fez 2.004 entrevistas com a população brasileira de 16 anos ou mais, em todo o Brasil, em 139 municípios. A margem de erro máxima é de 2 pontos percentuais, para mais ou para menos, com nível de confiança de 95%. O levantamento está registrado no TSE (Tribunal Superior Eleitoral) sob o código BR-00290/2026. Custou R$307.641,60 e foi paga com recursos próprios."
Poll conducted between May 12-13 with 2,004 in-person interviews across 139 municipalities, margin of error 2 p.p.
Public security is the worst-rated area (16%), followed by health (15%)
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Government announced R$ 11 billion security package in response to poor numbers in the area
Poll cost R$ 307,641.60 with Datafolha's own resources
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How does this sectoral poll's methodology compare with previous evaluations of Lula's own government or previous governments?
Why it's still unknown: Sources cite it as the 'worst evaluation' without specifying whether compared to the current term's history, Lula's previous governments, or Brazil's historical series
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What impact did the Flávio Bolsonaro audio leaks have on the numbers, since the poll was conducted during their release?
Why it's still unknown: Most interviews were conducted before the full disclosure of the audios on May 13, but the field period (May 12-13) partially coincides with the revelation
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Are there methodological changes by Datafolha between this sectoral poll and similar previous surveys?
Why it's still unknown: No source details whether the way of measuring approval by government area changed compared to the institute's previous surveys