Three months before the elections, Lula reaches his best approval rating since 2024 and is eight points behind Flávio Bolsonaro

A three-month lead before the presidential elections, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has reached his highest approval rating since December 2024, maintaining an eight-point advantage over Flávio Bolsonaro. According to a recent poll conducted by Genial/Quaest, released this Wednesday, Lula’s government enjoys the approval of 48% of Brazilians, while 47% disapprove of the current administration. This marks the first time since December 2024 that the approval rate has surpassed the disapproval rate numerically. The data contrasts with the 53% disapproval figure recorded in December 2024, which had dropped to 48% in the previous survey published last month, according to O Globo. In April, the gap between disapproval and approval stood at nine points, narrowing to three in May, and further to one point in June, a level that remained unchanged through July, as noted by G1. The improvement in Lula’s approval ratings is a key indicator of the current state of the presidential race, says Felipe Nunes, director of Quaest. “What we’re showing is that the approval of the government has been improving consistently since April,” he states. “This improvement is based on three factors: the ‘Desenrola 2.0’ program, aimed at debt renegotiation, is reducing Brazilian citizens' debts; the debate around ending the six-day workweek generates expectations that people will have more free time and better quality of life; and the exemption from income tax is finally beginning to reach important sectors of society.” Regarding the “Desenrola” program, Quaest reports that 66% of respondents know about the debt-renegotiation initiative, up from 57% in May when the program was launched. Additionally, 55% view the program positively, while 35% claim their incomes have increased significantly since its launch. In June, these figures were 30%. Social media users have reacted strongly to the findings, with some expressing surprise at the accuracy of the research. One user tweeted, “Parabéns ao Presidente do TSE, Ministro Nunes Marques, pelo ‘selo de acerto’ para institutos de pesquisa que mais acertarem o resultado das eleições.” Another remarked, “Talvez se ele já existisse, teriam vergonha de publicar essa pesquisa da Quaest de hoje. Ela deve ser reflexo de como o povo…” Nunes explains that the program targets individuals earning up to five minimum wages monthly, equivalent to approximately 8,105 reals (about $1,595 USD), allowing them to renegotiate debts incurred until January 31, 2026, with delays ranging from 90 days to two years, including credit cards, overdrafts, and personal loans. On the issue of ending the six-day workweek, a proposal backed by the government and approved by the Chamber of Deputies in May, 69% of respondents support the measure, and 50% anticipate working fewer hours. Even among supporters of Bolsonaro, over 40% expect reduced working hours. “This positive expectation regarding shorter working hours is a major factor in the government's improved standing,” says Nunes. “The government is successfully creating this expectation, which clearly helps improve its image.” The poll highlights continued momentum for Lula ahead of the October elections, with his administration gaining ground in public perception despite ongoing political challenges.