President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s speech classifying drug dealers as “victims of users” was strongly rejected among Brazilians, according to the new Genial/Quaest survey. The survey shows that 81% disagree with the statement, including 66% of Lulist voters and 78% of non-Lulista left supporters. Only 15% agree with the statement.
For 51% of those interviewed, the speech reflected the president’s sincere opinion; 39% believe it was a misunderstanding.
After his speech, Lula recanted, stating that he had said “a poorly placed sentence” and that his position was “very clear against drug traffickers and organized crime”. The research, however, reinforces the distance between Lula’s speech and the majority’s perception of the fight against crime, a topic that has gained strength in recent weeks following the police operation in the Alemão and Penha complexes, in Rio de Janeiro.
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Violence has become the main concern of Brazilians, cited by 38% of those interviewed. In October, it was 30%. The economy appears in second place, with 15%. The operation in Rio is approved by 67%, and the same percentage states that there was no exaggeration in the actions of the security forces.
The survey indicates a broad willingness among the population to support tougher measures. For 73%, criminal organizations should be classified as terrorists. The increase in penalties for homicides committed at the behest of factions has 88% support, while 65% are in favor of abolishing conjugal visits for members of these organizations.
The so-called Security PEC, which expands federal action in combating organized crime, is approved by 60%. The flexibility of access to firearms is rejected by 70%, and 50% disagree with the alternative defended by the right of asking the US for help to combat trafficking in Rio.
When pointing out the main solutions to reduce violence, 46% mention stricter laws, greater penalties and firmer judicial action, a majority position among right-wing voters and also significant among Lulistas (39%). Next come education and social opportunities, with 27%.
The federal government’s assessment in the area of security is considered regular by 36%, negative by 34% and positive by 26%. State governments perform better, with 70% positive or regular evaluations.
The same survey showed that, after the operation in Rio, .
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The Genial/Quaest survey was carried out between November 6th and 9th, with 2,004 face-to-face interviews across the country. The margin of error is two percentage points.
