Measures include actions aimed at the poorest population and facilitating access to credit for the middle class
The president (PT) has prepared a package of measures that already totals at least R$403.2 billion in spending on social programs in 2026 – the year in which he will seek re-election. The PT member focuses on these measures to improve popularity.
The actions target the poorest population, the middle class and the business sector. Lula revived social programs that were hallmarks of his first two terms, such as Bolsa Família (R$158.6 billion) and Farmácia Popular (R$6 billion). Also in Gás do Povo, which has R$4.7 billion reserved in the 2026 Budget.
The middle class is encouraged by programs such as Minha Casa, Minha Vida and Reforma Casa Brasil, aimed at acquiring their own home and improving housing, respectively.
Businesspeople are also provided with access to credit in actions such as Nova Indústria Brasil and Brasil Soberano, which supports Brazilian exporters affected by US tariffs in 2025.
Read the infographic below:
Main actions and beneficiaries
- Popular Pharmacy – 27 million people;
- Bolsa Família – 19.9 million families;
- exemption from IR – 16 million people;
- People’s Gas – 15 million people;
- release of FGTS – 14.1 million people;
- nest egg – 4 million people;
- My Home, My Life – 127 thousand families.
However, the strategy of creating and reissuing social programs no longer has the expected impact on popularity.
EXEMPTION FROM IR WITHOUT EFFECT
One of the main measures was the law that the Income Tax exemption range for those earning up to R$5,000 per month and created a discount range from R$5,000.01 to R$7,350. The change effective in February. It was Lula’s flagship to boost his popularity and government the advertising.
Approximately 16 million Brazilians were covered by the measure. Two months have passed and it still hasn’t had the expected electoral effect.
The government also invested in publicizing other actions. On March 23, there were WhatsApp messages for 8 million Brazilians who are beneficiaries of the Gás do Povo program.
WORSE IN RESEARCH
Lula and the government continue to struggle in an attempt to improve their image. On March 25, the PowerData that the rate of those who disapprove of the PT member rose to 61% – the highest level since March 2024. This is an alarming figure for anyone seeking re-election.
The president’s work and “roomy” or “terrible” by half of voters (51%). The increase is 7 percentage points compared to the last survey (44%), carried out in January 2026.
Within the PT, there is recognition of the government has to communicate achievements considered positive. The assessment is that part of this is explained by polarization.
The senator from Rio de Janeiro is the PL’s pre-candidate for the Presidency and occupies the space on the right. Search for a technical tie between the 2 in the 2nd round scenario.
Stopping the damage caused so far is the great challenge facing Lula’s campaign.
