The popularity of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reached its lowest point amid a corruption scandal involving the ruling Workers Party (PT), local press quoted an opinion poll as reporting on Monday.

Lula's approval rating is decreasing dramatically, as allegations emerged three months ago the ruling party siphoned off public funds to buy votes in Congress and improperly financed election campaigns.

According to an opinion poll by Ibogpe Institute, public acceptance of Da Silva fell from 55 to 45 percent in August and the disapproval rate went up from 38 to 47 percent over the same period.

Polls also show Lula would lose a run-off election against social-democrat Jose Serra.

Two months ago, 56 percent of Brazilians said they believed in the president and now only 43 percent do. Of those polled, 22 percent believe the current crisis is directly attributable to Da Silva.

According to the poll, the corruption scandal dealt a heavy blow to the image of Lula among the poor population, who until recently pinned all their hopes on Lula.

(Published: Xinhua News Agency, August 30, 2005)
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