MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazilians pessimistic about the economy and benefits from the World Cup

Since a year ago there have been recurrent protests and strikes from government employee's including police forces

Brazilians pessimism about the future of the economy has increased considerably with just a few days left for the opening of the World Cup, according to a public opinion poll released by Pew Research.

 Likewise only one in three Brazilians believe the global event will create more jobs and opportunities, but despite all president Dilma Rousseff re-election bid has the best of chances.

The poll has been published a year after the protests started in June 2013 following the increase in public transport fares and discontent with the astronomical sums invested in the organization of the Confederations Cup, the World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.

According to the poll two thirds of Brazilians interviewed consider the economy is on the wrong course, while 32% say it's in good shape, and this comes in a crucial year, not only because of the Cup and Brazil in the center of world news, but also because of presidential elections next October.

Only a year ago Brazilians were more optimistic since 59% believed the economy was in good shape and 41% were negative. But the World Cup has not helped to up the spirits of Brazilians, rather the contrary according to Pew Research.

Six out of ten Brazilians consider the organization of the World Cup 'bad' for the country because the funds disbursed have limited investments in education, health care and other public services. Only 34% believe the Cup will help generate more jobs and prop the economy.

Likewise, 39% argue that the World Cup will be negative for Brazil's image in the world, although 35% are positive about it and 23% that it will have no impact as to how the country is perceived overseas.

Pew Research experts also find there is an “extended frustration” with only five months to the general elections of October. Increase in prices, mainly food and public services (85%); law and order (83%); healthcare (83%); political corruption (78%); lack of job opportunities (72%); and the increasing gap between rich and poor (72%) are the problems which most concern the Brazilians interviewed for the poll.

However despite the extended pessimism, President Rousseff continues to lead comfortably over her October challengers. Over half interviews (51%) have a favorable opinion of the president compared to 27% for Social-democrat Aécio Neves and 24% for Socialist Eduardo Campos.

The Pew Research public opinion poll was based on 1.003 interviews.