Index rises nine points compared to the previous year and reaches the highest level of Lula’s third term; Expectations of improvement for the country also grow and reach 60%
The majority of Brazilians end the year 2025 with high expectations for the next cycle. According to a Datafolha survey released this Sunday (28), 69% of the population believes that their personal situation will improve in 2026. The number represents a jump of nine percentage points compared to the survey carried out at the end of 2024, when 60% projected progress for the following year.
This is the highest personal optimism index recorded during President Luiz Inácio da Silva’s current third term. According to the institute, only 11% of those interviewed foresee a worsening in their personal lives, while 16% believe that the situation will remain the same. Another 3% were unable to answer.
The survey, carried out in person with 2,002 people in 113 municipalities between December 2nd and 4th, has a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.
Optimism with Brazil
Trust is not restricted to the individual sphere. The research shows that the expectation of improvement for the population as a whole has also grown significantly. For 60% of those interviewed, the country will perform better in 2026, a significant increase compared to the 47% recorded in the previous survey.
This level of 60% equals the level of optimism observed at the turn of 2022 to 2023, right after the presidential election, recovering confidence after a 2025 of more contained expectations.
Women and the Northeast lead confidence
By breaking down the data by demographic groups, Datafolha identifies that optimism is driven, above all, by women, people with less education and residents of the Northeast region.
Gender: 74% of women expect personal improvement, compared to 65% of men;
Region: The Northeast leads the regional ranking, with 75% of respondents projecting a better year. The South has the lowest rate, although still the majority, at 65%;
Income: Among those who earn up to two minimum wages, optimism reaches 72%. Among those who earn more than ten minimum wages, the rate drops to 61%;
The political factor continues to influence perception, but the hope for improvement is the majority, even among opponents. Among Lula’s voters in the 2022 second round, 78% believe in a better life in 2026. Among Lula’s voters, the percentage is lower, but still significant: 61%.
