Lula, Macron Discuss U.S. Tariffs and Mercosur-EU Deal as Lula’s Approval Hits 46% Amid Tariff Negotiations

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation focusing on the impact of U.S. tariffs and the Mercosur-European Union trade agreement. Lula criticized the U.S. tariff measures, known as the "tarifaço," and both leaders committed to finalizing the Mercosur-EU deal by the end of the year, aiming to balance trade interests for mutual economic growth. Meanwhile, a survey by Quaest indicated that 46% of Brazilians approve of Lula's government, the highest approval rating since January, while 51% disapprove. The survey also revealed that 48% of respondents believe Lula's government will be able to reach an agreement with the United States regarding the tariffs. Additionally, 41% of Brazilians think Lula is leveraging the tariff dispute for political promotion, whereas 49% believe he is defending Brazil's interests. The survey also noted that 55% of respondents doubted former U.S. President Donald Trump could reverse the ineligibility of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.