Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recently signed a decree to increase benefits under his long-standing welfare program, Bolsa Família, by 15% ahead of the first round of the presidential elections. The minimum monthly benefit per family will rise to 691 reais (approximately $134) starting next month, up from 600 reais (around $117). This adjustment aims to counter the effects of accumulated inflation since March 2023, helping to preserve the purchasing power of low-income families. The change is significant as it will influence voters in the upcoming elections, which will determine whether Lula can secure a fourth, nonconsecutive term or if Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, will advance to a potential run-off vote. Polls currently show the two candidates are closely matched. The increased spending will be covered by existing budget allocations and will not add new costs to the national budget, according to Finance Minister Dario Durigan. The measure is projected to cost 5.8 billion reais ($1.1 billion) this year and around 22 billion reais ($4.3 billion) next year. The average benefit will rise from 675 reais ($132) to 777 reais ($151), with millions of families expected to receive the new amount starting October 19. The potential run-off between Lula and Bolsonaro is scheduled for October 25. Lawmaker and Bolsonaro ally Marcos Antônio Pereira Gomes, known as Zé Trovão, filed a request with Brazil’s electoral court to suspend the decree, arguing that it constitutes an electoral maneuver violating Brazilian law. However, Supreme Court Justice André Mendonca, a Bolsonaro appointee, dismissed the case without evaluating its merits, stating that Trovão lacked the legal standing to file the complaint. Bolsa Família, introduced by Lula at the start of his first term in 2003, provides financial assistance to low-income families under conditions such as children’s school attendance and health requirements, including vaccinations. The program has been extensively studied and has been credited with significantly reducing poverty, inequality, and infant mortality in Brazil. It also improved access to basic health services and school attendance. Bolsonaro replaced the program with Auxílio Brasil ahead of the 2022 elections, a move analysts viewed as an attempt to rebrand the popular initiative associated with Lula to boost his chances of reelection. Lula ultimately defeated Bolsonaro in that election. In addition to the welfare program increase, Lula recently signed a decree and a provisional measure aimed at reducing fuel prices, which have risen due to tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Fuel costs are a particularly sensitive issue for Brazilian voters, as they directly affect daily living expenses and economic stability.