Lula’s Popularity At All-time Low

Brazil’s president Luiz Inácio da Lula’s approval rating has slipped to a record low of 46.7% in a recent poll. The survey also showed him losing in a run-off in next year’s presidential elections to São Paulo mayor Jose Serra. The low rating may increase pressure on Lula to increase spending and ultimately lead to the resignation of Finance Mminister Antonio Palocci who is a strong advocate of the government’s current austere economic policies.