RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The evaluation of Jair Bolsonaro’s government increased in February this year compared to December 2019 on all four points raised by the VEJA/FSB survey: the administration itself; the way in which the president governs; what has been accomplished so far compared to what was expected before the beginning of his term; and the prospects for the country up to the end of his administration in December 2022.
According to the survey, 36 percent rated the government as excellent or good, compared to 31 percent in December – an increase beyond the error margin, which is two percentage points plus or minus. The rate for those who find the administration poor or terrible, on the other hand, dropped from 35 percent in December to 31 percent in February.
Regarding the way Bolsonaro administers the country, there has also been an increase in approval, even amid swirls of controversy involving the president, his relatives, and some of his Ministers. In December, 44 percent approved the presidential style – in February it is now 50 percent.
For 36 percent of respondents, Bolsonaro is doing much better or a little better than expected – in December, the figure was 29 percent. Regarding the country’s prospects up to the end of Bolsonaro’s term, 26 percent believe it will be poor or terrible, a decrease from the 33 percent who felt the same way in December last year.
All the positive indicators are the highest found in the four FSB/VEJA surveys conducted since August 2019.
According to respondents, the areas which improved the most were the fight against corruption (29 percent) and safety (16 percent), both of which are assigned to the Ministry of Justice and Public Safety, headed by Minister Sérgio Moro, who was the most highly rated minister (29 percent) among all Ministers. Paulo Guedes, the Minister of Economy, comes second with only six percent. The areas that most deteriorated, according to respondents, were health (44 percent), education (26 percent) and the fight against unemployment (21 percent).
Elections
The VEJA/FSB survey shows that President Bolsonaro, with his rising ratings, has an advantage over his potential rivals in the 2022 presidential race. In the pursuit for re-election, Bolsonaro climbed in voter intention, while the remaining contenders for the Planalto remained stagnant. In the five first round scenarios surveyed, the president enjoys a broad lead over opponents such as TV host Luciano Huck, the governor of São Paulo, João Doria, and the Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Sérgio Moro.