Lula Rises as Petro Falters in South American Leadership Ratings

In a recent survey by CB Consultora, conducted from July 16 to 20, Lula da Silva emerged as the most popular president in South America.

He achieved a 53.6% approval rating, marking an increase from the previous month. This rise comes amidst his recent distancing from Nicolás Maduro, a notable regional ally.

Javier Milei, the Argentine president, slipped to second place despite holding a strong 52.1% approval rating.

Meanwhile, Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, holding a 51.5% favorable rating, fell to third place, the poll indicated.

Notably, Bolivia’s Luis Arce climbed to fourth place, boasting a 49.8% approval rating. His rise coincides with his handling of a recent coup attempt.

Uruguay’s Luis Lacalle Pou rounds out the top five, holding a 48.7% approval rating.

Paraguay’s Santiago Peña follows in sixth, with a 45.2% rating, despite a recent decline of 3.7%.

Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, who seeks a third term amidst international scrutiny, ranks seventh with a 37.6% approval rating.

Gabriel Boric of Chile stands at eighth, with a 36.3% approval rating. His disapproval rating, however, is significantly higher at 60.6%.

Dina Boluarte of Peru, previously ranked lowest, moved up to ninth with a 32.5% approval rating.

At the bottom of the list is Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, who now holds only a 32.3% approval rating.

His position highlights a sharp decline, placing him last among South American leaders. This ranking reflects a broader shift in public sentiment across the region.

Shifting Tides: Lula Rises as Petro Falters in South American Leadership Ratings

The survey’s findings underscore the volatile nature of political approval in South America. Leaders face constant scrutiny and changing public opinions.

For instance, Lula’s distancing from Maduro may have bolstered his standing, while Petro’s struggles signal deeper challenges.

These approval ratings not only reflect domestic satisfaction but also impact regional politics and international relations.