Brazil: Lula boosts social subsidies to 134 USD, advances payments ahead of runoff

Brazil's ruling party increased the flagship social program to 134 dollars and moved up payment dates, a move widely read as an electoral tactic to shore up support against challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in the second round. The opposition has accused the government of using state resources for campaign advantage, raising legal and political stakes. The measure could shift voter sentiment in key battleground states, though its electoral impact remains uncertain.