Lula's approval ticks up in Brazil after Trump threatens tariffs, poll shows
SAO PAULO - Approval for Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government rose for the first time this year, a new poll showed on Wednesday, after his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on imports from Brazil starting in August.
The Quaest poll commissioned by brokerage Genial showed that 43% of those surveyed approve of Lula's administration, up from 40% in the previous poll in May. Meanwhile, the government's disapproval fell from 57% to 53% in the period.
According to the poll, 66% of the respondents were aware of President Trump's letter announcing 50% tariffs on Brazil, while 33% were not.
In the letter, Trump linked the tariffs to Brazil's treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial over charges of plotting a coup to stop Lula from taking office in 2023.
The poll showed that 72% believe that Trump is wrong to impose tariffs on Brazil due to what he sees as persecution of Bolsonaro, while 19% think the measure is right.
Despite being barred from holding public office until 2030, Bolsonaro insists he will run against Lula in a rematch in next year's election, arguing he is the only figure on the right who can defeat the incumbent.
Lula, 79, has hinted that he could run for reelection.
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The Genial/Quaest poll surveyed 2,004 eligible voters in person between July 10 and July 14. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points. REUTERS
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