Lula is to be sworn in as President of Brazil this Sunday, January 1. For the occasion, left-wing activists flock to Brasilia. In the capital, the hotels are packed. After four years of Bolsonaro’s government, Lula voters are euphoric and expect a lot from the new president.
With our correspondent in Brazil, Sarah Cozzolino
This Saturday, the streets of Brasilia are invaded by Lula voters who have come to attend his inauguration. Tarcisio traveled more than 60 hours by bus from the state of Rio Grande do Norte. ” It’s very special for me to be here, a unique moment, a historic moment that I can tell my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It will be etched in history “.
Emotion and relief
In the street, activists recognize themselves by their red T-shirts bearing the image of Lula. Alex feels he will breathe again with the return of the Workers’ Party to power: ” It is a great emotion to attend an investiture ceremony for the first time, but above all it is an immense relief, the feeling that Brazil has freed itself from the regression that the Bolsonaro government has been. “.
► Read also: Brazil: Lula’s inauguration ceremony for the presidency placed under high security
Marta has lived in Brasilia for twenty years and this is the first time she has seen her city so lively: “ The city is very different, it’s a party atmosphere everywhere. It’s really good to see all these people in bars, restaurants, tourist places… I’m very happy “.
According to the federal government, nearly 300,000 people are expected for the festivities of the investiture of Lula to a third term at the head of Brazil, twelve years after leaving power. A third term during which the septuagenarian will have to meet significant economic challenges.
Ease the daily life of 33 million Brazilians
Among the emergencies: to relieve the daily lives of the 33 million Brazilians who suffer from hunger. For this, Lula comes with an ace up his sleeve: Congress has approved a constitutional amendment authorizing the government to temporarily exceed the expenditure ceiling by 26 billion euros to finance social programs. This should make it possible to perpetuate the allowance of 110 euros paid since August to the poorest families.
► Also to listen: Jair Bolsonaro “bequeaths a Brazil in a pitiful state”
It should also free up funds for a popular pharmacy program and for raising the minimum wage. Lula had implemented ambitious social programs during his previous mandates, but he returns in a less favorable economic context.
Inflation and unemployment
Inflation and unemployment in particular will have to be watched closely even if the trend is improving. The unemployment rate, which was close to 15% in 2021, has fallen to 8.3% in recent months. Inflation is also weaker than expected for the whole of 2022, but it should still flirt with 6%.
To manage economic issues, Lula relies in particular on Fernando Haddad, PT candidate for the 2019 presidential election won by Jair Bolsonaro. He appointed this relative to the Ministry of Finance despite the reluctance of business circles.
► Also to listen: What future for Lula’s Brazil?