Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government will raise the minimum Bolsa Familia benefit by 15%, from 600 reais to 691 reais, effective Oct. 19 after the Oct. 4 first-round vote and shortly before a potential Oct. 25 runoff. Lula said the measure preserves the purchasing power of vulnerable families after inflation, while opponents including Flavio Bolsonaro have portrayed its timing, alongside a proposal for free weight-loss jabs through the public health system, as electorally motivated. Bolsa Familia covers about 50 million people, including roughly 27 million voting-age beneficiaries. Planning Minister Bruno Moretti said the increase will cost 5.8 billion reais in 2026 and 22 billion reais in 2027, while Finance Minister Durigan said it would be funded within existing budget plans. Renan Santos has asked the electoral court to suspend the increase until the president-elect takes office.