Satanic Capitalist

Brazil looks to curb spending after local elections, sources say

The Brazilian government is preparing to roll out measures to curb mandatory spending after a second round of municipal elections at the end of the month, two Finance Ministry officials told Reuters.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has focused largely on restoring the country's fiscal balance with more tax revenue since he took office last year.

However, the sources say his government is now looking at spending controls to hit budget targets and stabilize gross debt below 80% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Investors and private economists have been skeptical of Lula's ability to deliver on budget promises, with interest rates rising in Brazil and the leftist president wary of belt-tightening as recent polls show his popularity under pressure.

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In Brazil, Lula fights to boost social media presence

At a bar in Brasilia, two longtime members of Brazil's Workers Party retweet messages supporting Luis Inacio Lula da Silva on their cell phones, as part of his campaign's drive to fight the overwhelming presence of President Jair Bolsonaro on social media.

"We will not stop. Our battle, too, is online," said Ze Augusto, a retired professor, looking at his screen.

With a little more than four months to go until Brazil's presidential election, Lula, 76, has a comfortable but declining cushion in the polls.

But on social media he is far behind in popularity to the far-right president, who will probably be his opponent in a run-off on October 30.

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Brazil's Lula Praises Workers' Party's Legacy and Promotes Conciliation against Totalitarianism

Former president seeks third term and confirms Alckmin as vice in attempt to defeat Bolsonaro

Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) promoted national sovereignty, defended Petrobras and repeatedly talked in favor of job creation and the fight against hunger when he launched his pre-candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic this Saturday (7). Geraldo Alckmin (PSB) will be his vice president on the slate.

The PT sought to oppose the primary opponent in the dispute, President Jair Bolsonaro (PL), stating—without naming him by name—that he is authoritarian and attacks sovereignty, democracy, and institutions. He accused him of lying to hide his incompetence and of destroying what was achieved during the the Workers' party years in government.

The speech chose topics such as inflation, misery, and unemployment to harass Bolsonaro. With skyrocketing fuel prices and Petrobras' price policy challenges, Lula defended energy sovereignty and blamed the current government for dismantling the company.

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