Brazil’s Lula announces welfare increases ahead of presidential election

Government says that increase represents an adjustment for inflation that has eaten away purchasing power since 2023.Published On 17 Sep 202617 Sep 2026Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government has announced a 15 percent increase in welfare benefits ahead of a closely watched presidential election in October.The leftist president was joined by government ministers in the capital Brasilia on Thursday, where they announced that the “Bolsa Familia” poverty alleviation programme would increase minimum monthly benefits from 600 reais ($116) to 691 reais ($134) next month.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Brazil’s Flavio Bolsonaro to institute debt ceiling if elected presidentlist 2 of 3Last dance? Inside Lula’s strategy to win a fourth presidency in Brazillist 3 of 3Flavio Bolsonaro faces corruption probe weeks before Brazil electionend of list“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.“It’s income to put food on the table. It’s money circulating in the economy. It’s more dignity for Brazilian...