Brasília, June 22, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The Sensus Institute survey released today by the National Transportation Confederation (CNT) reveals a six percentage-point decline in President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's personal performance rating, compared with May's results. His approval index fell from 60.2% to 54.1%.

The interviewees regarded the war on unemployment as Lula's principal campaign promise. This theme also represents the chief concern for nearly 67% of the sample, followed by income and health. The study also found that 58.9% believe that the government has done less than it could have.

The Administration's official trips abroad are currently viewed in a less favorable light. In December, 2003, 52.5% affirmed that these trips were important and productive for the country. At present 43.2% hold this view. The purchase of a new Presidential aircraft received the disapproval of 65.8%. Around 25% approved the move, while 5% expressed indifference.

Despite its wide repercussion in the press, the Federal Police's "Operation Vampire," which discovered frauds in the acquisition of medications by the Ministry of Health, is ignored by 45.6% of those interviewed. For nearly 80% of the sample, corruption is a frequent occurrence in government bidding processes.

The survey was carried out by the Sensus Institute between June 15 and 17, in 195 municipalities. Two thousand people were interviewed. There is a 3% margin of error, in both directions.

Reporter: Cecília Jorge
Translator: David Silberstein