Brazil’s Lula announces higher welfare payments and free weight-loss jabs ahead of election

Brazil’s president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a candidate for re-election for the workers' party (PT), speaks at a campaign rally in Brasilia, Brazil, on 16 September 2026. Brazil’s president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a candidate for re-election for the workers' party (PT), speaks at a campaign rally in Brasilia, Brazil, on 16 September 2026. Brazil Brazil’s Lula announces higher welfare payments and free weight-loss jabs ahead of election Critics say moves from leftwing incumbent president are electorally motivated two weeks before Brazil’s elections

Prefer the Guardian on Google Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , has announced a 15% increase in the country’s main cash-transfer programme for poor families, as well as free weight-loss jabs, prompting criticism from opponents who say the moves are electorally motivated just two weeks before the presidential election.