“Brazil has a future again, and this is only the beginning,” declared Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after reaching the 100-day mark in his presidency. The Brazilian media has framed his early months like a cinematic epic. A week into his third term, the nation faced a coup attempt that underscored the volatility of a deeply divided country. The January 8 episode is still a point of reference as Lula, leader of the Workers’ Party (PT), faces scrutiny over promises made during the election. A Datafolha survey shows 33% of Brazilians approving of the government and 30% disapproving. “This is a restructuring government,” Lula repeated, signaling a bold shift in direction.
Lula understands that expectations are immense. Yet Brazil remains split in two. The far right has shown strength online, in public spaces, and within Parliament, where it wields considerable influence. Lula personally brokered conversations with congressional leaders Arthur Lira and Rodrigo Pacheco to counter Bolsonarismo. “We must remove hate from people’s minds,” he said. While envisioning harmony, Lula must address daily challenges, including persistent racism and economic pressures that he has not hesitated to challenge.
The Central Bank’s independence complicates Lula’s agenda. Critics note the bank’s decision to set a 13.75% base rate this year, which constrains growth. The market has not warmly welcomed PT’s traditional fiscal policies, including subsidies connected to the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), policies Lula views as crucial for domestic development. The central bank operates apart from the executive, led by a technocrat connected to the Bolsonaro administration, making Lula’s economic strategy more complex to implement.
He returned his attention to Brazil’s future. The focus was clear: a country looking ahead while navigating immediate pressures.
– Lula (@LulaOficial) April 10, 2023
change times
According to Paulista-based coverage, Lula concluded his first 100 days at the Planalto Palace amid criticism from center-right allies who argue that certain projects face bureaucratic obstacles. They note the government has prioritized measures associated with earlier administrations, such as social programs like Mi Casa and Bolsa Família, and contend Lula inherited a country with widespread hunger. The administration’s move to build on these programs has been a focal point of political debate.
The environmental agenda has been central but has faced pushback in the center of political action. Lula has asserted Brazil will again be a global reference on sustainability, highlighting the ongoing work with Environment Minister Marina Silva, who is pursuing a broader reform of the environmental policy framework. The government recognizes that a firm stance against logging in the Amazon and other sensitive areas will encounter resistance from agricultural interests. Objections to oil exploration in the Amazon basin add to the tensions with a Parliament that has shown strong anti-environmental sentiment. Lula maintained that progress is possible, adding that the government would persevere. So far, the administration has unlocked funding for the Amazon Fund, enabling support from the European Union, and Lula created the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs with a focus on safeguarding land rights and expelling illegal mining operations in indigenous territories. An operation in the Yanomami region underscored a commitment to enforcing rules in contested zones.
china trip
Lula’s international role remains prominent. Building on past diplomacy, he planned another high-profile visit to China to meet Xi Jinping, reinforcing strong bilateral economic ties. The mission aimed to deepen cooperation and align on shared economic interests. In the broader international context, Lula signaled openness to dialogue regarding regional conflicts, including the Ukraine situation. He emphasized that both Kyiv and Moscow were seeking avenues for conversation facilitated by third-party mediators. The objective was to explore a pathway for peace that could reduce tensions and foster stability in the region.