Lula Leads in 2026 Polls, Brazilians Rally Against Trump's Interference
A recent AtlasIntel and Bloomberg survey reveals that Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, widely known as Lula, would triumph in a second round against any of seven leading right-wing candidates in the 2026 presidential election. This comes amidst a backdrop of increasing popularity for Lula, fueled by US President Donald Trump's interference in Brazil's justice system and his administration's tariffs and sanctions.
Trump's actions, seen as meddling on behalf of former President Jair Bolsonaro, have sparked a call for sovereignty and the defense of democratic institutions in Brazil. Lula, standing in solidarity with Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, deemed Trump's interference unacceptable and asserted that Brazil would not negotiate as a minor power. The Brazilian far-right's alignment with the Trump government, aiming to sanction Moraes and harm the economy, has backfired, further uniting Brazilians and boosting Lula's approval ratings. Lula's ratings surpassed disapproval for the first time in 2025 following the US tariffs and sanctions, including a 50% tariff and Magnitsky Act sanctions against Moraes. Meanwhile, the Brazilian government under Lula is involved in tech regulation efforts, though specific details about a dedicated office handling contentious regulations related to online safety and market regulation are not yet clear.
Laís Martins, a fellow at Tech Policy Press, has not been quoted in this report.
The survey results and Lula's rising popularity underscore the Brazilian public's stance against foreign interference and their support for democratic institutions. As the 2026 election approaches, Lula's position strengthens, with Brazilians rallying behind him in the face of external pressure. The Brazilian government's role in tech regulation remains an active area, with details yet to be fully elucidated.
