by Ivan Longo
In his first official address since winning reelection, the President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva talked about taking responsibility, thanked the public for his more than 64 million votes and announced priorities for his fourth term.
Lula, opening his first official address to the Brazilian people since winning the election (photo: Ricardo Stuckert)
President Lula sent an indirect message to Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in his address, which took place on Sunday, November 8. While speaking about the commitments he has made to the country he said: “I never fled from my commitments, I never fled from criticism, I never fled from the fight and I never abandoned my country. Brazil is not a place for those who flee from their responsibilities.”
Lula did not name Bolsonaro. He made the remark right after describing preparations for the new government. But it was a clear reference to Bolsonaro’s exfiltration to the United States after his electoral defeat, as he is under multiple investigations for money laundering.
The idea of staying to fight for the country had come up earlier in the speech. Recalling the popular mobilizations before the vote, Lula refered to a line from the national anthem, “the children of Brazil did not flee from a fight” adding that “Brazil does not fit in anyone’s backyard.”
Lula said he will govern for all Brazilians and called the result a victory for democracy. He also accused Big Tech companies of trying to interfere in the election by artificially increasing reach and giving millions of views to electoral disinformation posts.
What Lula announced for his fourth term
Lula highlighted the income tax exemption made during his 3rd term for people who earn up to R$5,000 per month (about $920). He also noted the approval of the end of the 6 day work week, which has workers on the job six days for every day off, with no pay cut. Starting next year, he said, the government will eliminate taxes on basic food items. He reminded listeners that he has sent Congress a proposal for free public transit on weekends. Lula also credited the end of online betting sites for higher household spending.
On security, Lula said he will issue provisional measure creating a Ministry of Public Security once Congress approves the Public Security constitutional amendment. He called for cooperation among the federal government, states and municipalities to fight organized crime groups and militias. He promised to strengthen the intergovernmental pact against femicide. He also asked for an urgent debate on political and judicial reform.
On education, Lula promised to lengthen the public school day and expand the Pé-de-Meia public high school student stipend program, which rewards students with around $1000 for graduating from high school. He also promised to create a version of Pé-de-Meia for college students.
On the economy, Lula reaffirmed his commitment to fiscal rules. He set a goal of raising investment to more than 20% of GDP. He said the government plans to buy families’ debts from banks and to forgive individual micro-entrepreneurs’ debt to the federal government.
This article first appeared in Revista Fórum, was translated with express authorization by the editor-in-chief by Panamerican Dispatch, and can be read in its original Portuguese here.