# Lula Criticizes Globo Over Hunger Campaign Data

President questions the accuracy of a television advertisement regarding childhood hunger statistics in Brazil.

- **Source:** [Folha – Poder](https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder)
- **Published:** 2026-11-07
- **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics)
- **Original article:** <https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/poder/rss091/*https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2026/11/lula-critica-globo-e-questiona-propaganda-sobre-criancas-com-fome.shtml>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2259f13c-d9e0-4620-a3e3-1a856c30de6b

## Presidential Criticism of Media

President Lula publicly criticized Rede Globo during a meeting of the National Energy Policy Council in Brasília. He expressed strong disapproval regarding a television advertisement depicting children suffering from hunger. The president questioned the origin of the data presented in the campaign, suggesting the media outlet prefers criticism over positive reporting.

## Disputed Hunger Statistics

The campaign in question cites seven million Brazilians facing food insecurity. Lula challenged the validity of this figure, demanding an investigation into the entity behind the advertisement. The president, who frequently highlights his administration's success in removing Brazil from the global hunger map, found the broadcasted message highly problematic during his evening.

## Response From Pacto Contra Fome

The organization Pacto Contra a Fome clarified that their campaign aims to engage society in eradicating hunger and reducing waste. They stated that the seven million figure is an approximation based on the 2024 PNAD survey. This official IBGE data identified 6.48 million people living in a state of severe food insecurity.

## Globo's Stance on Advertising

Rede Globo stated that the campaign is an initiative by the Pacto Contra a Fome, a recognized social institution supported by the network since 2023. The broadcaster emphasized that it provides advertising space for various public interest themes. They confirmed that the data presented in the piece originates from official IBGE research.

## Official Data Context

Recent IBGE statistics indicate a decline in food insecurity across Brazil between 2023 and 2024. Moderate food insecurity dropped from 5.3% to 4.5%, while severe food insecurity decreased from 4.1% to 3.2%. These figures are often used by the current administration to demonstrate progress compared to the previous Jair Bolsonaro government.

## Political Narrative Dynamics

Lula frequently contrasts his administration's social achievements with the policies of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. The president's reaction highlights the sensitivity of hunger-related metrics in the current political climate. By questioning the advertisement, he seeks to defend his government's track record against narratives that suggest persistent, large-scale hunger in the country.

## Institutional Transparency Demands

The president's call for an investigation into the entity supported by Globo reflects a broader tension between the executive branch and major media outlets. Lula's demand to know who is behind the information suggests a desire to control the public discourse surrounding poverty reduction and the success of his social programs.

## Future Implications

This confrontation underscores the ongoing struggle to define the success of social policies through statistical interpretation. As the administration approaches future political milestones, the accuracy of hunger data will remain a central point of contention. Observers should monitor how both the government and civil society organizations reconcile these differing statistical interpretations.

## Sources covering this story

- https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/poder/rss091/*https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/2026/11/lula-critica-globo-e-questiona-propaganda-sobre-criancas-com-fome.shtml — 

---

_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
