With the exception of business owners and investors, most
Brazilians looked for candidates who prioritized job creation and
income generation, in the 2018 elections. According to a
Brazilian Economic Outlook from the Institute of Applied
Economic Research (IPEA), the economy sustained growth
(albeit slow) for a while since the end of 2017, industrial
production increased, and unemployment rates declined.
Nevertheless, 13.4 million people remained jobless, particularly
women, youth, and people of color; and growth rates were
disappointing. A poll by Datafolha showed at the time that
Brazilians’ perceptions of the economy were pessimistic: 72
percent of those surveyed felt the economic scenario had
worsened in the last months. Similar to the reaction to corruption,
this extremely negative perception of the socioeconomic
environment could potentially further distance voters from the
traditional government and their allies, turning voters toward
“unconventional” candidates instead, who could represent a
change in the status quo.
Idem. Ibidem (adapted).