Lula

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro submitted an 86-page filing to the US trade office on July 1, requesting a delay of 25% tariffs on Brazilian goods for 180 days. He argues past tariffs strengthened President Lula ahead of the vote.

Brazil's loan defaults reached a record 4.7% in May 2023, with household defaults at 5.6% and company defaults at 3.24%, the highest levels since 2011 and 2017 respectively, despite ongoing debt relief measures.

Brazil's right-wing factions face challenges uniting against Lula for the 2026 election. Presidential candidate Ronaldo Caiado selected Gilberto Kassab as his running mate, forming an all-PSD ticket for October.

Brazil pledged $100 million annually to Mercosur's shared development fund at a summit in Paraguay, despite the regional bloc drifting rightward. The move aims to maintain unity within the group.

President Lula launched Desenrola Adimplentes, a new phase of his debt program targeting informal workers without formal CLT jobs or public-service posts who pay high personal-credit rates. The initiative aims to provide cheaper loans for timely payments.

Brazil's government, under President Lula, has signed a decree allowing the freezing and seizure of funds from illegal betting operators. The government has identified 37 financial firms, mostly fintechs and payment companies, involved in moving money for these operations.

Most of Lula's spending package operates outside Brazil's fiscal cap, with only a small portion complying with the rules he established. This approach still increases public debt despite the fiscal constraints.

Federal Police raided the home of Jaques Wagner, President Lula’s leader in the Senate, seizing $55,000 and €33,000 in cash. Wagner is the first member of Lula’s inner circle implicated in the bank scandal, with investigators suspecting undue influence.

Lula has urged Trump to refrain from influencing Brazil’s elections, as he competes in a close race against Flavio Bolsonaro, a Trump ally. The election pits Lula against Bolsonaro, who is aligned with the former U.S. president.

Brazil's president attended the G7 summit in Évian, France, as an invited guest and positioned himself as the voice of the developing world, criticizing rising global inequality. Brazil, though not a G7 member, leveraged its economic and regional influence during the event.

Brazil’s right-wing political figures, including Flávio Bolsonaro, are adopting policies previously associated with Lula, such as the Bolsa Família welfare program and a R$5,000 tax break. These proposals are framed as being funded through spending cuts rather than new taxes.

Brazil and Mexico aim to link their state oil firms, Petrobras and Pemex. Presidents Lula and Sheinbaum discussed the move in a video call, with an agreement expected soon but not yet finalized.

Brazil's presidential race on October 4 features Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro in a close contest. Donald Trump has become involved, supporting both candidates. Washington recently designated two Brazilian gangs as terrorist groups, fulfilling a demand from Bolsonaro.

Brazil's Senate passed a farm-debt relief bill despite government objections. The legislation, with a 162-billion-dollar cost estimate, faces a likely veto from President Lula and could trigger a fiscal conflict.

Latin American markets rebound as oil prices stabilize, with Chile leading the recovery. Brazil's markets firm due to Lula's polling lead, while Milei's reform bill faces delays. The World Cup opens at the Azteca stadium.

A new Quaest survey shows President Lula leading Senator Flavio Bolsonaro 44% to 38% in a potential second-round Brazilian election matchup. Lula's lead had previously dwindled, with Flavio briefly taking the lead in April.

A key Senate committee in Brazil approved a constitutional change granting the central bank control of its own budget, allowing it to fund itself from its revenues instead of the federal budget. The move aims to shield the institution as a heated 2026 election impacts markets, defying President Lula.

Lula's efforts to reduce reliance on the dollar and the United States have led to increased dependence on China.

Brazil's president, Lula, criticizes proposed 25 percent US tariffs, stating Brazil cannot accept the treatment. The reaction comes despite signs of improving relations between the two countries.

Trump’s tariff threats have caused a political storm in Brazil. President Lula criticized his election rival Flávio Bolsonaro over a US lobbying effort.

Lula criticized the US for labeling Brazil's criminal networks as 'terrorists', warning that such a designation could undermine local law enforcement efforts.

Lula gains 7 points ahead of Flávio after vote, according to Atlas. This indicates a significant shift in support. The development may impact the political landscape.

A poll shows Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro are tied before Brazil's presidential election, with Bolsonaro facing scrutiny over a film funding scandal. The scandal could affect the race. The election is a significant event in Brazilian politics.

Brazil's President Lula requested the US to return ex-intelligence chief Alexandre Ramagem to Brazil to serve his prison sentence. The request follows Ramagem's arrest by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).