Fact Check: Brazil's president is losing clout abroad and is unpopular at home.

Fact Check: "Brazil's president is losing clout abroad and is unpopular at home."

What We Know

The claim that Brazil's president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is losing influence internationally and facing unpopularity domestically is supported by various sources. Recent reports indicate that Lula's personal approval ratings have dropped to around 40%, marking the lowest point of his current term, which has raised concerns about his domestic popularity (The Economist). Additionally, a poll conducted by Datafolha shows that Lula's approval rating fell to 28% in June 2025, with a corresponding increase in disapproval to 40% (Reuters).

On the international front, Lula has faced challenges in maintaining Brazil's influence, particularly in light of shifting geopolitical dynamics and competition from other nations. Brazil's role in organizations such as BRICS and Mercosur has been scrutinized, with some analysts suggesting that Lula's foreign policy has not yielded the expected results (The Economist).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is substantial, particularly regarding Lula's declining approval ratings. The drop from 29% to 28% in a short period, as reported by Datafolha, suggests a trend of increasing dissatisfaction among the Brazilian populace (Reuters). Furthermore, the increase in disapproval ratings to 40% indicates that a significant portion of the electorate is not satisfied with his governance.

However, the sources also reflect a broader context. Lula's administration has been navigating complex issues, including economic challenges and social unrest, which can impact public perception. The claim of losing clout abroad is more nuanced. While Lula's influence may be perceived as waning, Brazil remains a significant player on the global stage, being a founding member of multiple international organizations (Wikipedia).

The reliability of the sources is generally high, with reputable outlets like Reuters and The Economist providing data-backed insights. However, it's essential to consider the potential for bias in how these outlets frame Lula's presidency, especially given the polarized political landscape in Brazil.

Conclusion

The claim that "Brazil's president is losing clout abroad and is unpopular at home" is supported by evidence of declining approval ratings and challenges in international influence. However, the situation is complex, and while the evidence points to a trend of unpopularity, the broader implications of Lula's governance and Brazil's international standing require further investigation. Therefore, the verdict is Needs Research to fully understand the dynamics at play.

Sources

1. Brazil - The World Factbook
2. Brazil - Wikipedia
3. Brazil's president is losing clout abroad and unpopular at home
4. Brasil - Wikipedia
5. Brazil's Lula grows more unpopular in Brazil as approval rating edges down
6. Brazil Country Profile - National Geographic Kids
7. Brazil - Simple English Wikipedia
8. Brazilian President Lula's disapproval rating hits all-time high