Six-minute speech on national television highlights departure from the Hunger Map, exemption from IR and reduction in tariffs imposed by the USA
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gave a Christmas speech this evening (24), shown on national television. About to enter an election year, the PT member cited topics that should guide next year’s elections, such as the economy, public security and national sovereignty. American President Donald Trump was not mentioned, but appeared to greet Lula in the play promoted by Palácio do Planalto. In one of the government’s biggest victories of the year, Brazil managed to negotiate a reduction in tariffs imposed by the White House and dialogued to end the application of the Magnitsky Law against Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the STF (Supreme Federal Court).
In the speech, which lasted around six minutes and was broadcast on national radio and television, Lula stated that 2025 was “a difficult year, with many challenges”, but assessed that the country emerged stronger. According to him, “everyone who supported or played against Brazil ended up losing”, while the Brazilian population was “the big winner”.
Among the main points highlighted, the president celebrated Brazil’s exit from the Hunger Map, according to a report from the United Nations (UN). In criticism of the Temer and Bolsonaro administrations, Lula recalled that the country had left this condition in 2014, but returned to record high levels of food insecurity in the following years, reaching 33 million people in a situation of hunger. To reverse the scenario, he cited the resumption of Bolsa Família, support for family farming, the increase in the minimum wage, the generation of jobs and investments in school meals.
Another measure highlighted was the expansion of the Income Tax exemption range for those earning up to R$5,000 per month, approved at the end of November. According to Lula, the change will mean that millions of workers will no longer have the tax deducted from their salaries from January onwards, which should ease family budgets and stimulate the economy. The government estimates that around 15 million Brazilians will benefit from the new rule.
In the social area, the president mentioned programs launched or resumed throughout the year, such as Agora Tem Especialistas, aimed at reducing queues for consultations, exams and surgeries in the SUS, Pé-de-Meia, to encourage young people to remain in school, and initiatives such as Gás do Povo and Luz do Povo, aimed at reducing basic expenses for low-income families. He also mentioned the resumption of Minha Casa Minha Vida, the expansion of the program to the middle class and the launch of Reforma Casa Brasil.
Lula also highlighted investments in infrastructure through the New Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) and works such as the transposition of the São Francisco River. According to him, these actions contributed to the country ending the year with the lowest unemployment rate in the historical series, records of formal employment, an increase in average income and controlled inflation.
When dealing with public security, the president recognized that crime and violence remain major challenges, aware that the issue will be at the center of the electoral debate. He praised the work of the Federal Police, citing Operation Hidden Carbon, launched in August, which investigated the activities of criminal factions and their connections with companies and financial schemes. “No money or influence will stop the Federal Police from moving forward,” he said.
Still in this context, Lula made an appeal against gender-based violence and stated that he will lead a national effort to combat violence against women, involving ministries, institutions and civil society. “We who are men must make a commitment of the soul.”
In the international field, the president stated that Brazil was once again respected abroad, citing the record of 9 million foreign tourists in 2025 and the holding of COP30, in Belém (PA). He also addressed the trade conflict with the United States, following the imposition of tariffs on Brazilian products by the Donald Trump administration. According to Lula, the focus on diplomacy made it possible to reduce surcharges and expand markets for national exports, which already total more than 500 destinations. “We show Brazil and the world that we are about dialogue, fraternity and we don’t shy away from the fight. We focus on diplomacy, protect our companies and avoid layoffs.”
Donald Trump appeared in the play released by the federal government
Finally, the president once again defended the end of the 6×1 work schedule, without salary reduction, classifying the agenda as a “demand of the people” and a right related to quality of life. Lula ended his message by wishing Brazilian families a merry Christmas and a New Year of peace, prosperity and new achievements.
