Rio de Janeiro, Oct 14 (EFE).- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva continued a wave of policy announcements on Wednesday, aiming to broaden his support ahead of the presidential runoff, where he faces far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in a tight race.
In an effort to boost the domestic video game industry, Lula signed a decree implementing the legal framework passed in 2024. The decree establishes guidelines to foster local production, facilitate professional training, and protect intellectual property.
Brazil boasts roughly 115 million gamers, over half of whom are women, and a market generating more than 12 billion reais (2.4 billion dollars) annually.
This measure joins a broader package targeting low-income families, fuel subsidies, and small business support. The campaign effort comes amid an urgent push to secure votes before the Oct. 25 election, after Lula finished second in the first round.
Flávio Bolsonaro criticized the flurry of measures on Tuesday, accusing Lula of attempting to «buy votes» through a proposed debt relief plan for small entrepreneurs.
Lula makes direct appeal to evangelical voters
The president also intensified efforts to win over Evangelical voters, a demographic comprising roughly 27% of Brazil’s population, where Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, currently holds a strong lead in the polls.
In an open letter, Lula highlighted recent administration actions designed to appeal to Evangelical families, including bans on sports betting and online casinos.
The government shut down these gambling activities, strongly opposed by the religious community, citing concerns over rising household debt.
Lula also pointed to his proposal to reduce the workweek to 40 hours with two days off. He noted that if passed by the Senate on Wednesday, the measure would give workers «more time to gather at church in fellowship and worship.»
A high-stakes electoral showdown
While Lula rolls out policy measures and mobilizes street rallies across major cities, Flávio Bolsonaro confirmed he will participate in Sunday’s first televised debate.
After initially declining, the far-right candidate reversed course once Lula committed to attending, stating in a social media video that he intended to «confront him with the truth.»
Bolsonaro secured 47% of the vote in the first round compared to 45% for Lula, who is seeking a non-consecutive fourth term at age 80.
A post-election Datafolha survey shows Flávio Bolsonaro leading the runoff with 52% of valid votes compared to 48% for the incumbent. EFE
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