The Genial/Quaest survey released on Monday (27/01) recorded, for the first time, “violence” as the most frequently mentioned issue when respondents were asked about the country’s main problem. According to the survey, 26% of participants mentioned violence, surpassing “economy” for the first time, which received 21% of mentions. Another topic that has shown an upward trend is “social issues,” identified by 23% of respondents as the country’s most pressing concern.
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Constant Increase
In the historical series measured by Quaest since April 2023, concern about violence has followed an almost constant upward trajectory. About two years ago, only 12% of respondents identified violence as the main issue, while the economy was the most cited concern at 31%. Over time, this shift reflects an increasing public perception of insecurity.
The Survey
For this study, Quaest conducted 4,500 in-person interviews between 23 and 26 January across the country. The survey has a margin of error of 1 percentage point. The same study also indicated a decline in President Lula’s approval rating at the beginning of 2025, with disapproval surpassing approval for the first time.
Three Themes
Quaest categorizes responses into three additional themes: health, education, and corruption. Corruption has been on a downward trend in recent months and was mentioned as a national problem by only 8% of respondents in January, the same percentage that cited education. Health, on the other hand, was identified as the main issue by 14% of those interviewed.
Context of Concern about Violence
The rise in concerns over violence followed the municipal elections, during which the topic dominated campaigns for mayor and city councilor in the country’s largest cities—even though public security is primarily a state responsibility. Newly elected mayors of state capitals began their terms this year with a tougher security agenda, including proposals to arm Municipal Guards.
Lula Government
Meanwhile, the Lula administration has sought to expand federal involvement in security measures. One of its key initiatives was the introduction of a Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) that, among other provisions, reconfigures the role of the Federal Highway Police. The proposal initially met with resistance from state governors, was revised and remains one of the Planalto’s top priorities for 2025.
Analysis:
The latest Genial/Quaest survey marks a significant shift in Brazilian public opinion by identifying violence as the country’s most pressing issue. This change reflects a growing sense of insecurity, which has steadily intensified over the past two years. While economic concerns have traditionally dominated public discourse, the increasing prominence of violence suggests a deeper unease with everyday safety and the state’s capacity to maintain order.
This shift also has political implications, as security-related concerns often lead to demands for more stringent policies and a greater role for local and federal authorities in crime control. As public anxiety over violence grows, governments at different levels may feel pressured to adopt tougher security measures, which could shape legislative priorities and influence upcoming elections.
