2026 ELECTION
Lula flexes the powers of incumbency again
Lula resorts to helicopter money again. Photo: Ricardo Stuckert/PR
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a decree on Thursday raising Bolsa Família, Brazil's flagship cash-transfer program, by 15.04%, just 17 days before the first round of the election. The minimum benefit climbs from BRL 600 to BRL 691 (USD 117 to 135), the average from BRL 675 to BRL 777, and payments begin on ...
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