Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recorded 51% approval in October, solidifying as South America's most popular leader according to the LatAm Pulse survey by AtlasIntel for Bloomberg News. This marks a six-point rise from his government's low in March, driven by anti-inequality measures and a clash with Donald Trump. His disapproval held at 48%, below regional peers like Argentina's Javier Milei.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is experiencing his strongest political moment since returning to power in 2023. According to the LatAm Pulse survey by AtlasIntel for Bloomberg News, conducted October 15-19 with 14,063 respondents, 51% of Brazilians approved his management, six points above the March low. Disapproval stabilized at 48%, over five points below the prior period.
This rebound contrasts with Lula's past highs over 80%, but places him ahead of regional rivals. In Argentina, Javier Milei faces 56% disapproval and just 40% approval amid a currency crisis. Ecuador's Daniel Noboa dropped below 50% after raising diesel prices, while Chile's Gabriel Boric and Colombia's Gustavo Petro hold negative ratings.
The boost stems from his clash with Donald Trump over Brazilian steel tariffs, which has recently improved relations, and policies to curb inequality. At 79, Lula launched subsidies for electricity and cooking gas consumption, plus a bill exempting income tax on salaries up to 5,000 reais (US$929). 84% of Brazilians view these exemptions positively, and 63% back taxing the wealthy to fund anti-poverty programs.
With 2026 elections approaching, Lula confirmed his bid for a fourth term. In polls, he leads: 51% to 30% against Tarcísio de Freitas in the first round, and 52% to 44% in a runoff. Against Michelle Bolsonaro, it's 51% to 26%. The survey has a 1 percentage point margin of error and 95% confidence level.
These steps worry investors over fiscal deterioration but bolster his support in Latin America's largest economy.