Brazil is experiencing a significant decline in trust toward its main institutions, with a Datafolha survey indicating that between December 2024 and March 2026, public confidence or evaluation of 7 out of 8 studied institutions worsened. This widespread skepticism extends beyond just the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and the judiciary, affecting the Legislative branch, the Presidency, the media, and the Armed Forces as well.

Political parties remain the most distrusted institutions in the country, with 52% of the population admitting they have no trust in them, a slight increase from 50% in a previous survey. While there were no significant changes beyond this margin of error, the ongoing distrust reflects a deeper issue of disillusionment in Brazil’s political landscape. In particular, the Congress is experiencing unprecedented levels of dissatisfaction, which are acute during this current legislative period.

The results of the Datafolha survey underscore a critical moment for Brazilian democracy, as the erosion of trust in these institutions can have profound implications for political stability and governance. As voters demonstrate distrust, it poses challenges for political leaders and parties to engage effectively with the public and regain their confidence going forward.