A Datafolha poll released on December 13 shows that 20% of Brazilians see health as the country's biggest issue, followed by public security at 16%, ahead of the economy at 11%. This marks a shift from April, when the economy topped concerns at 22%. The survey interviewed 2,002 people across 113 municipalities from December 2 to 4.
The Datafolha poll, with a two-percentage-point margin of error and 95% confidence level, shows health remaining the top national concern, cited by 20% of respondents. Public security rose to second place at 16%, reversing the order from the April survey, where the economy was the main issue for 22% and violence for 11%. In September 2023, health and security tied at 17%.
Among men, 18% point to security as the biggest bottleneck, while 26% of women highlight health. Violence is most cited in the Southeast region (19%), and least in the South (10%). For those over 60, it reaches 21%, but among 16- to 24-year-olds, it stands at 5%, with health (16%) and economy (14%) ahead.
Experts attribute the heightened insecurity perception to recent operations against organized crime, such as Carbono Oculto in August, which exposed PCC infiltration in gas stations and fintechs, moving R$ 52 billion from 2020 to 2024. Operation Spare in September targeted 267 fuel stations and motels linked to the PCC. On October 28, an operation against the Comando Vermelho in Rio resulted in 122 deaths, the deadliest in history.
"It was under the rug. Suddenly, you pull the rug and say 'wow, there's the Comando Vermelho, the PCC, they're dominating crime in the country.' That ended up scaring people," says retired Colonel José Vicente da Silva Filho.
Despite a historic drop in violent deaths in 2024, feminicides rose 0.7%, attempts by 19%, and rapes hit a record 87,545 cases. Digital scams affected one-third of the population, with R$ 111.9 billion in losses and 2,166,552 frauds, a 407% increase since 2018.
In the Lula government's performance, the economy is seen as the worst area by 14%, followed by security and health at 12% each. Education leads as the best (10%). Among Bolsonaro supporters, security tops health (18% vs. 17%); among PT supporters, it reverses (24% health vs. 17% security).
Responses include the Antifacção bill, passed in Congress with penalties over 40 years, and the Public Security PEC, which calls for a referendum on reducing the age of criminal majority.
