Why are some young Brazilians turning away from Lula?

A few months before the Brazilian presidential election, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is facing a worrying shift in his electorate: some of the young people who contributed to his victory in 2022 are now turning to right-wing candidates.

According to several recent polls, Brazilians aged 16 to 34 are now the most critical age group of the government. A survey published in June shows that unfavorable opinions of Lula now outnumber favorable ones among young adults, a situation that contrasts sharply with the dynamics observed during the previous presidential election.

For many young voters, economic hardship remains a major source of frustration. Despite some progress in the Brazilian economy, many feel their personal situation has not improved as much as they had hoped. The cost of living, access to employment, and career prospects remain their primary concerns.

Public safety is also a major concern. In several large cities across the country, crime continues to fuel political debate and is pushing some voters to support tougher policies advocated by the right wing.

Conservative movements have also strengthened their presence on social media and digital platforms frequented by young people. Through targeted campaigns and messages focused on entrepreneurship, the fight against corruption, and security, they are succeeding in appealing to a new generation of voters.

This shift does not signify a collapse in support for Lula. The president retains a solid electoral base and remains one of the favorites for the next election. However, the loss of a portion of the youth vote could complicate his campaign and influence the outcome of the election.

The phenomenon illustrates a trend observed in several Latin American countries, where persistent economic difficulties, political polarization and security concerns are leading some young people to gravitate towards conservative and right-wing parties.