MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

President Lula image rebounds in polls.

The positive image of Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva administration increased almost nine points at the beginning of August according to a public opinion poll from Sensus Institute contracted by the National Transport Confederation, CNT.

The approval index jumped from 29,4% in July to 38,2% in August, while the negative image dropped from 24,1% to 17,7%. It's the first time the positive image of President Lula da Silva's administration grows since August 2003.

However President Lula da Silva personal standing remains strong and reached 58,1% in August, a four points advance over June.

CNT president Clesio Andrade argues that the increased approval of the government is directly linked to the recovery of the economy and a better perception of employment and health and education services. Apparently the recent claims of wrongdoing by the president of the Brazilian Central Bank had little or no impact.

However in spite of the rebound most Brazilians are still cautious about economic growth, according to Mr. Andrade.

The perception of the Lula administration in social services is adequate for 40,5% of the 2.000 people interviewed in 195 towns of the country's 24 states. But economic policy is unsatisfactory for 41,7% of those polled and 43,8% consider the government action in that field "unsuccessful".

The upturn of the Brazilian economy is acknowledged by 59,4% but 65,8% of that universe state that the improved economic data has yet to filter to a better quality of life for the consumer, but 45,8% anticipate it will have a positive impact, in the future.

Those interviewed stating that their personal income increased in the last six months grew one point to 15,9% in August compared to July, and 37,9% feel that their income will increase in the coming six months against 35,1% previously. The positive image of health services increased from 22,7 to 27,7%; education from 29,1% to 38,3%.

Nevertheless 57,2% if Brazilians interviewed state that President Lula has yet to honor his electoral promises, which has an impact on his political sponsoring.

This was confirmed by 35,9% who said they would not vote in the coming October municipal elections for a candidate supported by President Lula, while 34% indicated they would consider a candidate name suggestion from Government House.

Finally the Sensus opinion poll showed that 73% of interviews said they had no political party identification but 55,7% admitted to voting a candidate with which they feel identified.

"The upturn of the economy has yet to reach the average man on a daily basis, but it's there with the mass media, and this is a great change in the communications strategy policy of the Lula administration", admits Mr. Andrade.