A Datafolha poll released on April 11, 2026, shows the negative evaluation of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's government steady at 40%, while positive ratings fell from 32% to 29%. Disapproval of Lula's performance rose to 51%, with approval at 45%. Conducted April 7-9, the survey signals a tight race ahead of the 2026 elections.
Datafolha surveyed 2,004 voters across 137 cities from Tuesday (April 7) to Thursday (9), with a two-percentage-point margin of error. Regular government ratings rose to 29% from 26% in March. Lula outperforms Jair Bolsonaro at a similar point, when the former president had 46% bad/very bad ratings.
Positive views exceed averages among the elderly (36%), less educated (43%), and Northeasterners (41%). Bad/very bad ratings are higher among the more educated (49%), Southerners (49%), evangelicals (52%), and those earning over 10 minimum wages (58%).
Lula allies downplay results, blaming fuel price hikes from the Iran war and family debt. PT president Edinho Silva said: "The poll reflects anti-system sentiment from corruption scandals, but Lula is sponsoring the investigations."
Opposition celebrates. Flávio Bolsonaro posted: "We will free Brazil." PP's Ciro Nogueira stated: "People do not want a Lula 4." In simulated second rounds, Lula ties Flávio (45% to 46%) and leads Ronaldo Caiado and Romeu Zema by slim margins.
