Survey finds Brazilians split on the economy after Lula’s re-election

A Quaest poll found Brazilians evenly split on the economy’s outlook after President Lula’s re-election: 39% expect it to improve over the next 12 months and 39% expect it to worsen.

Another 19% expect the economy to stay about the same.

The poll surveyed 2,004 voters aged 16 and older in Brazil from October 30 to November 2, with a margin of error of two percentage points.

Pessimism was strongest among higher-income voters and people in the South; 49% of people in households earning more than five minimum wages expect the economy to worsen, as do 58% of voters in the South.

By contrast, 48% of people earning up to two minimum wages expect improvement, as do 50% of voters in the Northeast.

Political views were also sharply divided: 79% of Lula supporters expect improvement, while 84% of Bolsonaro supporters expect worsening.

The economy, public spending, debt and interest rates were the leading concerns among voters who felt more worried than optimistic about Brazil’s future.

The poll also found that ending the six-day work week with one day off was the most-cited campaign promise voters want addressed, at 17%; the poll did not say what happens next.