Datafolha: Violence, health and economy lead voters' concerns

Respondents responded spontaneously what they considered the country's main problem to be the responsibility of the federal government, without receiving a list of alternatives. Each participant could mention only one topic.

The survey interviewed 2,520 people aged 16 and over on October 13th and 14th. The margin of error is two percentage points, plus or minus. The survey is registered with the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) under protocol BR-00466/2026.

The share of Brazilians who point to violence as the main problem rose from 17% in July to 20% in October. Despite the increase of three percentage points, the variation is within the margin of error considered when comparing the surveys.

Responses related to this topic include concerns about crime, police actions and public safety in general. The result is the highest recorded numerically since 2023, with similar percentages between the different groups analyzed.

The Public Security PEC, defended by the Lula government, seeks to expand integration between the Union, states and municipalities in the fight against crime. The government defends the conclusion of the vote without further changes to the text, to avoid the proposal having to return to the Chamber, but senator Rogério Marinho (PL-RN), coordinator of Flávio Bolsonaro's (PL) campaign for the Presidency, presented an amendment to include the reduction of the age of criminal responsibility in the PEC.

The PEC was scheduled to be voted on this Thursday (15) in the Senate plenary, but was removed from the agenda early in the evening by the president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP). In his speech, he highlighted that he expects an agreement on the text and possible amendments to the matter.

Concern about health went from 21% in the two previous surveys to 18% in the most recent survey.

The research identified differences in the profile of interviewees that point to this as the country's main problem. Among women, 22% mentioned the topic, while among men the percentage was 14%.

Family income also influences responses. Health was cited by 23% of people living in families with a monthly income of up to two minimum wages. Among those with income above five minimum wages, the rate was 12%.

Among the voters of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), violence and health appear tied, with 19% of mentions each. The economy is highlighted by 9%.

In Flávio Bolsonaro's group of voters, the economy is mentioned by 21%, followed by violence (20%) and health (17%). Considering the margin of error, the three themes are technically tied in this segment.