World

Lula announces 15% increase in Bolsa Família days ahead of elections

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced a 15.04% increase in Bolsa Família, raising benefits to R$ 691 just 17 days before the first round of elections.

18 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Lula announces 15% increase in Bolsa Família days ahead of elections — Photo: PT - Partido dos Trabalhadores · Flickr · BY

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) announced on Thursday (17) a 15.04% increase in the benefits of the Bolsa Família program. With this measure, the minimum payment per family will rise from R$ 600 to R$ 691, a decision made 17 days before the first round of presidential elections in October.

According to the economic team, although the adjustment was not planned in the 2027 budget, the decision was not influenced by electoral considerations. The government claims that this adjustment is necessary due to inflation, which has impacted families' purchasing power since 2023. The increase will benefit approximately 19.3 million families nationwide.

The measure will incur a cost of R$ 5.8 billion for this year, increasing to R$ 22.7 billion in 2027, according to government estimates. The new amount will start being paid on October 19, during the period between the first and second rounds, if there is one.

However, Lula's action has faced challenges. Deputy Zé Trovão (PL-SC), an ally of presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ), filed a petition with the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) to block the adjustment, alleging abuse of political power during the electoral period. Minister André Mendonça has been appointed as the case's rapporteur.

Recently, Mendonça rejected Zé Trovão's action, emphasizing that he did not analyze the legality of the increase and determined that the deputy did not have standing to file the petition. President Flávio Bolsonaro also spoke out, disavowing Zé Trovão and stating that he did not request the action against the adjustment.

In addition to the announcement of the increase, Lula defended the free distribution of weight loss pens by the Unified Health System (SUS) on the same day. However, no details were provided about the implementation of this initiative.

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