# Lula’s social programs helped Brazil’s poorest state, but young voters want more

> Lula’s social programs transformed lives in Brazil’s poorest state, but young voters want more economic opportunities.
- Title: Lula’s social programs helped Brazil’s poorest state, but…
- Summary: Lula’s social programs transformed lives in Brazil’s poorest state, but young voters want more economic opportunities. Lula’s social policies improved living…
- Keywords: lula, bolsa familia, maranhao, brazil, social programs, young voters, presidential runoff, northeast brazil, news, world, social, programs
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/10/22/lulas-social-programmes-transformed-lives-in-brazils-poorest-state-but-young-voters-want-more/240169
- Published: 2026-10-22T21:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lula, bolsa familia, maranhao, brazil, social programs, young voters, presidential runoff, northeast brazil, news, world
## Walter dos Santos' story
Walter dos Santos, 56, credits Lula’s social programs for helping his family escape poverty after his siblings died of hunger.

> Everything we were denied, our children can now have
## Lula’s social programs impact
Lula’s social policies reduced poverty in Maranhao from 67% to 49% between 2012 and 2025.
## Lula’s strong support
Lula won nearly 64% of votes in a first-round election in Brazil’s Northeast, but lost over 250,000 votes compared to 2022.
## Young voters want more
Young voters in Maranhao seek economic opportunities beyond social programs, as security and jobs become concerns.
## Lula’s appeal
Lula’s life story growing up poor resonates with Northeastern Brazilians, who see him as the quintessential Northeasterner.
## Bolsa Familia program
Bolsa Familia provides cash to low-income families who keep children in school and vaccinated, improving health and education.
## Regional economic challenges
Maranhao, Brazil’s poorest state, faces limited economic opportunities and rising security concerns due to criminal factions.
## Lula’s political position
Lula’s Workers’ Party (PT) coordinates efforts to address regional issues, including low voter turnout in Maranhao.
## Voting trends
Young voters in Maranhao are increasingly voting for Bolsonaro, seeking economic opportunities beyond social assistance.
## Presidential runoff
Lula and Bolsonaro face a tight presidential runoff election in Brazil, with Lula’s support shifting among voters.
## Key takeaway

Lula’s social policies improved living conditions in Brazil’s poorest state, but young voters seek broader economic opportunities beyond aid.