President Lula takes stock of 100 days in power
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday (Apr. 10) is completing 100 days in office. In a ceremony at the Planalto presidential palace, he said his administration plans to make a difference “by overcoming difficulties.”
From January to March this year, he noted, the government committed BRL 3.3 billion—against former President Bolsonaro’s BRL 892 million in the first three months last year.
For the same span, Lula cited BRL 323 million invested in water resources, against BRL 82 million the year before; BRL 535 million in science and technology, against BRL 128 million; BRL 145 million in health infrastructure, against BRL 56 million; BRL 328 million in waterways, against BRL 34 million; and BRL 203 million in housing, against no investment in the first three months of last year.
“This is a small demonstration of how we’re going to make a difference in this country. And we’re going to make a difference by overcoming the difficulties that present themselves to us,” he said. “Brazil voted to take care of what was urgent, what could not be postponed—namely to take care of its people,” he concluded.
Earlier on, the government published a list of policies and actions rolled out in the last three months.
Fighting hunger
Cash transfer program Bolsa Família made a comeback, with a minimum BRL 600 and an extra BRL 150 per child aged up to six in the family. In March, the first month of payments, over 21.1 million households received an average of BRL 670.33.
Health care
The return of the Mais Médicos initiative, renamed Mais Médicos para o Brasil (“More Doctors for Brazil”) opened 15 thousand new positions for doctors, with 28 thousand medics to be stationed countrywide by the end of the year, especially in areas of extreme poverty.
Housing
The Minha Casa, Minha Vida initiative (“My House, My Life”) was also reintroduced, offering affordable housing for people in vulnerable circumstances. According to the data, 5,693 homes were delivered across 14 cities in eight states.
Security
National public security plan PRONASCI, aimed at preventing, curbing, and repressing crime, was relaunched in 2023 and boasts BRL 700 million earmarked for investment.
The environment
Lula talked about the protection of the Amazon rainforest and other Brazilian biomes as a priority. The Amazon Fund, halted since 2019, was reactivated after a decree signed on January 1.
Indigenous people
Amid the serious humanitarian crisis of the Yanomami people, Lula issued a decree instituting a national committee to tackle the health care crisis facing indigenous people. In addition, the Health Ministry declared a public health emergency of national importance.
Combating racism
Also mentioned were a new law equating racial defamation to the crime of racism, and the decree stipulating the allocation of 30 percent of specially appointed leadership posts for black people in federal administration.
Foreign policy
In 100 days, Lula visited Argentina and Uruguay, where he discussed trade partnerships, environmental issues, and the strengthening of Mercosur. He also met with US President Joe Biden, but called off a visit to China due to health concerns.
