# Lula Government News, Approval and Policy Tracker

> Lula's government pushes work week reform and debt relief as runoff election nears.
- Title: Lula Government News, Approval and Policy Tracker | Shortify
- Summary: Lula's government pushes work week reform and debt relief as runoff election nears. Brazil's Lula government implemented a shorter work week and debt relief…
- Keywords: lula, flavio bolsonaro, presidential runoff, work week reform, micro-entrepreneur debt relief, brazil, senate, congress, 6x1 amendment, pec 18/2025, davi alcolumbre, dario durigan
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/lula-government-news
- Author: Iolanda Fonseca
- Published: 2026-10-16T14:50:33+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: lula, flavio bolsonaro, presidential runoff, work week reform, micro-entrepreneur debt relief, brazil, senate, congress, 6x1 amendment, pec 18/2025, davi alcolumbre, dario durigan
## Lula's Third Term
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's third term runs until 5 January 2027, with a runoff against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro on 25 October 2026.
## Work Week Amendment
Congress promulgated the constitutional amendment ending the six-day work week, with a five-day schedule starting in 60 days and 40 hours in 12 months.
## Micro-Entrepreneur Debt Relief
The Senate approved debt relief for 3.6 million micro-entrepreneurs worth R$12.6 billion (US$2.5 billion) if they keep paying contributions for six months.
## Public Security Amendment
The Senate pulled the public security amendment (PEC 18/2025) after senators filed amendments to lower the age of criminal responsibility.
## Approval Polls
A Quaest poll found 45% of Brazilians approve of Lula's government and 48% disapprove, with Flávio Bolsonaro at 46% and Lula at 44% in the runoff.
## US Terrorist Designation
The United States treats two Brazilian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations effective 5 June 2026, following Brazil's government efforts to avoid the label.
## Senate Leadership
Senate President Davi Alcolumbre sets the Senate agenda, while Chamber Speaker Hugo Motta controls which bills reach a vote among deputies.
## Finance Minister
Dário Durigan has led Brazil's Finance Ministry since 20 March 2026, following Fernando Haddad's departure.
## Runoff Election
The presidential runoff between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro occurs on 25 October 2026, with the winner taking office on 5 January 2027.
## Prediction Markets
Prediction markets show Lula with 23.5% to win the presidency and Flávio Bolsonaro with 76.2%.
## Supreme Court Vacancy
The Supreme Court seat has been vacant since October 2025 after Lula's nominee Jorge Messias was rejected by the Senate 42 to 34 on 29 April 2026.
## Inflation Forecast
Brazil's mid-month inflation is forecast at 0.4% for the month and 4.6% over twelve months, down from 0.7% and 4.47%.
## Central Bank Rate Decision
The central bank's rate decision follows on Wednesday 4 November, with the security amendment and Supreme Court nominee as open Senate items.
## US Market Impact
Brazilian stocks fell 13.9% after Lula's win, with the real sinking 8% and country risk jumping.
## What Happens Next
Lula must sign the micro-entrepreneur debt bill and decide on the security amendment before the runoff election on 25 October 2026.
## Key takeaway

Brazil's Lula government implemented a shorter work week and debt relief for micro-entrepreneurs ahead of a presidential runoff election with Flávio Bolsonaro.