President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made a speech on national radio and television network this Wednesday (25) in which he addressed the population to wish them happy holidays, but also to take stock of the actions carried out by the government this year and the challenges for 2026.
“And when the fireworks shine in the sky, on the night of the 31st, a historic year in Brazil will be over. A difficult year, with many challenges, but a year in which everyone who supported or played against Brazil ended up losing. A year in which the Brazilian people emerge as the great winners”, highlighted the president.
Among the achievements listed by Lula are Brazil’s exit from the Hunger Map, the resumption of Bolsa Família, the strengthening of family farming and the increase in the minimum wage.
“We invested a lot in creating jobs and feeding schools”, highlighted the president, for whom another big victory was the end of Income Tax for those earning up to R$5,000 per month.
“For millions of Brazilians, the last day of the year will also be the last day with Income Tax deducted from their salaries. From January onwards, with the end of IR, millions of families will have extra money every month. This will ease their bills, heat up the economy even more and benefit the entire country.”
Job
In the health area, Lula mentioned the Agora Tem Especialistas program, launched this year to reduce waiting times for consultations, exams and surgeries in the SUS. The Pé-de-Meia, Gás do Povo and Luz do Povo programs were also mentioned in the statement.
“My Casa Minha Vida has returned, reaching the middle class, and Reforma Casa Brasil is also arriving. Because decent housing is a fundamental right, which has to be guaranteed”, defended the president.
The Transposition of the São Francisco River and the works of the New PAC were remembered. In the economic context, Lula celebrated the end of the year with the lowest unemployment rate in history, records in formal employment and the average income of workers.
“And accumulated inflation will be the lowest ever. Thanks to these advances, we have the lowest rates of poverty and inequality in history. And this year alone, two million people left Bolsa Família because their income improved.”
Brazil’s new National Driving License was also highlighted by the president. The expectation is that the driver’s license will become up to 80% cheaper and much more accessible.
Challenges
Among the challenges for 2026, Lula cited crime and violence. He praised the operations against organized crime carried out by the Federal Police and said for the first time the “upstairs” was hit
“No money or influence will stop the Federal Police from moving forward,” said the president, who took the opportunity to speak out about violence against women.
“I will lead a great national effort involving ministries, institutions and the entire Brazilian society. We who are men must make a commitment of our soul. In the name of everything that is most sacred, be an ally.”
International
At the international level, Lula highlighted that Brazil is once again respected and admired by the world. Around 9 million foreign tourists visited the country in the year of COP30, in Belém do Pará, the biggest climate event in the world.
“COP30 was a success and consolidated Brazil as a global leader in the most important issue of this century. But we also faced an unprecedented challenge: the Tariff against Brazil. But we showed Brazil and the world that we are for dialogue, fraternity and we do not run away from the fight.”
The president highlighted the commitment to diplomacy and measures to protect companies to avoid layoffs.
“We negotiated the end of tariffs, and now in December we surpassed the mark of 500 new markets open to our products. Our sovereignty and our democracy won and the Brazilian people won.”
6×1 scale
At the end of his speech, Lula said that he will continue to fight “privileges of the few to guarantee the rights of the many.”
“It’s not fair that a person is forced to work hard for six days. And they only have one day to rest their body and head, go out with their family, take care of the house, have fun and closely monitor their children’s growth,” said the president.
“The end of the 6×1 scale, without salary reduction, is a demand from the people that it is up to us, representatives of the people, to listen to and transform into reality.”
