Government launches Desenrola 2, using FGTS to pay off debts; 1st edition renegotiated R$53 billion for 15 million Brazilians
In an election year, the president (PT) promises forgiveness for deadbeats when launching, this Monday (May 4, 2026), a new stage of Desenrola Brasil. The proposal must be sent to Congress through a provisional measure, which takes effect immediately, but must be approved by the Legislature within 90 days.
In the 1st edition, in 2024, 15 million people participated in the program to pay off debts. In March 2026, however, the number of defaulters broke a historic record of 82.8 million Brazilians, according to .
The new features of Desenrola 2 are the use of up to 20% of the FGTS (Service Time Guarantee Fund) to pay debts and, for 1 year, the use of online betting platforms for those who join the program.
The plan was structured to expand the reach of public policy and emphasize renegotiations for audiences that were left out of the 1st phase. credit card debt, overdraft and personal credit, among others.
The new model establishes discounts between 30% and 90% on the value of debts, with interest of a maximum of 1.99%. will be allowed as long as the discount is at least 40%.
As the negotiation involves creditor banks and the fund administrator, the government assesses that the guarantee of receipt of at least 60% of the value should encourage the adhesion of financial institutions.
LIMITED EFFECT
Desenrola 1, which ended in 2024, benefited more than 15 million people and renegotiated R$53 billion in debt, but did not structurally reduce the number of debtors. The Ministry of Finance said that there was a drop in defaults, especially among the lower-income population.
Despite this, a Serasa survey shows that 82.8 million Brazilians were negative in March, the highest number ever recorded after 15 consecutive months of increases.
The data are not directly comparable because Desenrola measures the flow of people served over time, while default represents the stock at a specific moment, in this case in March 2026.
Even so, the difference in magnitude – a solution for only approximately 20% of those in debt – indicates that the program only reached a portion of the universe of debtors.
In practice, Desenrola 1 reached a relevant contingent of 15 million people, but limited given the total number of defaulters, which was above 70 million in 2024.
GREATER COVERAGE
According to the government, the increase in defaults reinforces the need for a new round with greater scope. The scenario also reflects structural factors. High interest rates, pressured income and restricted access to credit make it difficult for families to escape default. Even after renegotiating debts, some consumers delay payments again.
The continuity of the program has a direct impact on economic activity, the government believes. Reducing defaults would tend to unlock consumption and improve credit indicators, which would support the economic recovery.
