Brasília, 3/29/2004 (Agência Brasil) - A public opinion poll sponsored by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), shows that approval ratings for the government and president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have fallen. According to the survey, a CNI/Ibope poll, the approval rating for the government fell from 66% in December to 54% in March. And the confidence index in the president went from 69% in December to 60%.

This is the first CNI/Ibope poll this year. The survey was made between March 20 and 25, and interviewed 2,000 people. The CNI/Ibope poll is quarterly.

The poll found that concern with unemployment has risen and more of those interviewed expect higher inflation. Those expecting more inflation rose from 40% in December to 48% now.

Asked what the government should do, 58% said the priority should be jobs; 21% said salaries should be improved; 11% said inflation was the biggest problem; and 8% called for more social programs.

DINIZ CASE

With regard to the charges involving former Palacio do Planalto aide, Waldomiro Diniz, the poll found that 12% connected it to the government and 10% associated the case with the closing of bingos. (translator: Allen Bennett)