Two months after his inauguration, the popularity of the president capsizes. In addition to the prospects for ups growth, there is a first embarrassing affair for his government.
by Bruno Meyerfeld (Rio de Janeiro, correspondent)
Its symbolic value is strong: on March 4, the Brazilian Senate announced its reopening to the public. Long weeks will have been necessary to refurbish these places, covered with a midnight blue carpet and designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer, ransacked on January 8 by far -right rioters favorable to Jair Bolsoanaro. What confirm the return to a semblance of normality in Brasilia.
The event coincides with a few days with the commemoration of the first two months in power of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, invested on 1
The head of state first wanted to restore the image of Brazil to international. The 77 -year -old leader received the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, as well as the French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna. Lula also gave a pledged to Washington and went in February to meet his American counterpart, Joe Biden, at the White House.
no “shock” of confidence
On the interior scene, the ex-metallo put all his energy to redesign the social programs put down by his predecessor. “From today, the gigantic wheel of Brazil is starting to turn!” He said on February 14, when the social housing program “My my life”. Objective: build two million dwellings by 2026.
At the same time, the minimum wage was increased by 1.3 %. The homes beneficiaries of the famous “Bolsa Familia” (an allowance conditioned for certain education obligations) will now receive 150 reais (27 euros) per child under the age of 6. At the end of February, the government also restored the National Food Security Council, essential in combat against hunger, suppressed by Jair Bolsonaro.
Fight against racism, feminicides, firearms or in favor of vaccination … The current power wants to stand out anywhere from the previous one. “It is time for union and reconstruction. This country has been destroyed by fascist barbarians. Having results will take time. But we will succeed: Lula is a father victory!” Insists Bohn Gass, deputy of the workers’ party and close to the president.
Despite the enthusiasm of the facade, first doubts have already emerged. Far from all unanimity, the Lula government only benefits from the polls, 40 % of favorable opinion. The long -hoped “shock” did not take place: the gross domestic product fell 0.2 % in the last quarter of 2022. For this year, the prospects are gloomy, with 1.2 % growth provided by the International monetary fund.
You have 55.51% of this article to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.