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Lula Announces Welfare Boost and Free Weight-Loss Jabs Ahead of Election
Confirmed
In Short: Brazil's President Lula announced a 15% increase in welfare payments and free weight-loss jabs, drawing criticism from opponents who see it as an electoral ploy.
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced a 15% increase in the country's main cash-transfer program for poor families, along with free weight-loss jabs, just two weeks before the presidential election.
Critics argue that these moves are politically motivated, aimed at securing votes ahead of the October 4 election.
Lula defended the measures, stating that the increase was merely an adjustment to inflation to protect the purchasing power of the most vulnerable families.
However, Flávio Bolsonaro, the senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, called Lula's actions an 'act of desperation' and accused him of trying to 'buy the votes of the poor'.
In 2022, Bolsonaro had announced a 50% increase in the monthly payment just before the election, prompting Lula’s campaign to file a case with the electoral court.
Miriam Leitão, a journalist for O Globo, noted that while both Bolsonaro and Lula made adjustments out of electoral interest, Lula’s increase is limited to inflation over the past four years.
Leitão also pointed out that Bolsonaro’s increase had an expiry date at the end of the electoral period, whereas Lula’s is permanent.
Polls show Lula leading Flávio Bolsonaro, but the race remains tight, with the latest survey indicating Lula would win 48% to Flávio’s 43% in a runoff.
The debate over the timing and nature of these welfare adjustments has sparked discussions about the legality and electoral strategy of such moves.
Lula is seeking a fourth term, facing challenges from the political right, including Flávio Bolsonaro, who is attempting to avenge his father's loss.
Background
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What's confirmed
- Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced a 15% increase in the country's main cash-transfer program for poor families, along with free weight-loss jabs, just two weeks before the presidential election.
- Critics argue that these moves are politically motivated, aimed at securing votes ahead of the October 4 election.
- Lula defended the measures, stating that the increase was merely an adjustment to inflation to protect the purchasing power of the most vulnerable families.
- However, Flávio Bolsonaro, the senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, called Lula's actions an 'act of desperation' and accused him of trying to 'buy the votes of the poor'.
- In 2022, Bolsonaro had announced a 50% increase in the monthly payment just before the election, prompting Lula’s campaign to file a case with the electoral court.
- Miriam Leitão, a journalist for O Globo, noted that while both Bolsonaro and Lula made adjustments out of electoral interest, Lula’s increase is limited to inflation over the past four years.
- Leitão also pointed out that Bolsonaro’s increase had an expiry date at the end of the electoral period, whereas Lula’s is permanent.
- Polls show Lula leading Flávio Bolsonaro, but the race remains tight, with the latest survey indicating Lula would win 48% to Flávio’s 43% in a runoff.
- The debate over the timing and nature of these welfare adjustments has sparked discussions about the legality and electoral strategy of such moves.
- Lula is seeking a fourth term, facing challenges from the political right, including Flávio Bolsonaro, who is attempting to avenge his father's loss.
What's still developing
- Flávio Bolsonaro called it an “ act of desperation ” after polls showed him gaining ground – although the most recent survey, released on Thursday night, still showed Lula numerically ahead despite the technical tie.
- He said that although Lula, like his predecessor, is also being criticised for unveiling a package of benefits on the eve of the election – including a promise to distribute weight-loss jabs free of charge through the public health system – Bolsonaro’s measures were “even more irresponsible from a budgetary point of view”.
- Escobar acknowledged that Lula’s intention was also electoral, but said that, as long as the measures comply with the law, “it’s something entirely expected when we’re talking about an incumbent running for re-election, who will try to use the legal mechanisms available to improve their voting numbers”.
- He is set to face off against leftist incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 80, who is seeking a fourth term and has gained momentum in recent weeks as the younger Bolsonaro faced a series of crises.
- “I firmly believe there is no one else capable of putting an end to the Lula risk hanging over Brazil,” Milei said in a typically fiery speech.
- Pollster Datafolha published a survey Friday showing that in a runoff election, Lula would win 48 percent of votes to Flavio’s 43 percent.
- SOA PAULO – Brazil’s right-wing Liberal Party on Saturday formally nominated Flavio Bolsonaro, a 45-year-old senator and son of imprisoned ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, as its candidate in the October presidential election.
- Far-right firebrand Jair Bolsonaro anointed his eldest son Flavio as his political heir after being sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup following his 2022 election loss to Lula.
- He warned that Brazil — Latin America’s largest country in population, area and economy — “could take giant strides toward a dictatorship” if Lula wins reelection.
- “This is a programme that has changed the lives of millions of Brazilians,” Lula said in a social media post, stating that the adjustment was meant to counter the impacts of inflation which has risen since 2023.
- Benefit adjustments are allowed in Brazil, and conservative governments in the past have also overseen increases in the months leading up to elections.
- Before the 2022 presidential election Jair Bolsonaro boosted cash payments, totalling about 273 billion reais ($52bn) in 2022 and 2023.