Insider

Bolsonaro impeachment now supported by 58 percent of Brazilians

Bolsonaro impeachment now supported by 58 percent of Brazilians
President Bolsonaro. Photo: Isac Nóbrega/PR

With President Jair Bolsonaro escalating his attacks on democratic institutions, support for his ousting has reached new highs. According to a poll by PoderData, 58 percent of Brazilians believe Congress should open impeachment proceedings against him — an 8-point hike since the last survey, a month ago.

The president’s rejection rates are particularly high among women (67 percent), those living in the Southeast region (68 percent), and the upper-middle classes (71 percent). Moreover, support for Mr. Bolsonaro does not crack the 50-percent mark in any demographic cluster, whether it be by region, education level, gender, or income.

Support for impeachment, however, has swung back and forth — but generally has hovered between the high 40s and high 50s since February, when a second Covid wave forced local administrations to reintroduce restrictions. These restrictions are now being lifted as vaccination advances.