Brazil Lula government announces R$12B debt forgiveness for MEIs days before runoff

The Lula administration sent a bill to Congress that would forgive up to R$12 billion in debts for microentrepreneurs (MEIs), potentially benefiting 3.6 million individuals. The timing, 12 days before the second round of an election, suggests a politically motivated move to shore up support. The measure's passage and electoral impact remain uncertain.