Brazil's Lula Raises Welfare Payments as Election Nears

In September 2026, Brazilian President Lula raised payments under the Bolsa Família welfare program after a meeting with women, following criticism about the cost of living during the election campaign. Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes ruled that the increase does not violate electoral law, dismissing cases at the electoral court.

The Supreme Court also rejected an appeal by Eduardo Bolsonaro against a conviction for coercion, with the First Panel voting unanimously to uphold it. Lula said five Supreme Court justices are linked to the Master case and that the crisis affects the election, blaming Bolsonaro for the situation. In Rio de Janeiro, mayoral candidate Eduardo Paes did not appear publicly with Lula two weeks before the election, while Lula's campaign opened a space in São Paulo to recruit volunteers and mobilize young people.