MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

President Lula on the rise

Popular support for Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva administration increased from 46,3 to 48,3% during August, compared to the previous month, according to a public opinion poll released this week.

The Census poll also indicated that personal support for the presidential figure of Mr. Lula da Silva, although still very high, actually dropped a point from 77,6 to 76,7% said Clesio Andrade president of the Brazilian Transport Confederation that contracted the public opinion poll.

Apparently Mr. Lula da Silva's communication capacity plus the recent reduction of basic interest rates and Congressional success with several reforms have had an important impact in the popular standing of the Brazilian president.

Ricardo Guedes, president of Census believes that the recent public exposure of Mr. Lula da Silva and several interviews particularly in the O'Globo national television received wide approval.

However the Census poll also indicates an increase in the number of people who complain about Mr. Lula da Silva's undelivered campaign promises. The dissatisfaction index jumped from 30,9 to 34,1%.