Brief
Lula advances Bolsa Família payments ahead of Brazil runoff
The government says an early schedule helps families brace for El Niño, but critics argue it is a vote‑buying tactic.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced that the monthly Bolsa Família welfare payments will be deposited by Wednesday, days before the presidential runoff on Sunday, according to Times Now News.
The program, which reaches about 19 million households, normally pays out during the last ten days of each month. This month the government says all deposits will be sent early and the schedule will remain in place until the end of the year. Officials in Brasília linked the change to an unusually strong El Niño weather pattern that could cause drought and flooding, arguing families need a financial cushion.
Opposition figures rejected the explanation. Eduardo Ribeiro, leader of the right‑wing Novo party that backs Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, called the move “yet another blatant electioneering ploy” and said using El Niño as an excuse was “embarrassing.” The opposition also noted that the early payments include a 15 percent increase announced last month, raising the average benefit to R$777 (about US$154), which they label as vote‑buying.
Bolsonaro, who leads the first‑round vote with 47 percent against Lula’s 45 percent, has pledged not to cut social programs, while Lula argues that Bolsonaro’s proposed spending cuts would harm benefits and public services. Lula, 80, is seeking a fourth, non‑consecutive term and has said this will be his last campaign.
Times Now News also mentioned Lula’s recent promises of debt relief for individuals, free public transport on weekends and extra aid for low‑income students, noting critics’ warnings that the generosity could strain public finances.
Key facts
- Bolsa Família payments will be deposited by Wednesday, earlier than the usual schedule (timesnownews.com)
- The program covers roughly 19 million Brazilian households (timesnownews.com)
- Average benefit rises to R$777 (US$154) after a 15 percent increase (timesnownews.com)
- Opposition leader Eduardo Ribeiro called the early payments an electioneering ploy (timesnownews.com)
- Runoff election is scheduled for Sunday, with Bolsonaro leading the first round (timesnownews.com)
Sources
- [1] timesnownews.com — originally reported as “Lula Speeds Up Welfare Payments Days Before Brazil Run-Off, Opponents Cry Foul”
