Lula’s 2026 Government Program Prioritizes Sovereignty, Defense, and Fiscal Discipline

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s re-election government program places strong emphasis on Brazil’s sovereignty, economic independence, and national defense amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with the United States. Presented to the Superior Electoral Court, the program invokes the concept of sovereignty 31 times, directly criticizing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Brazilian products and the previous Bolsonaro administration for fiscal irresponsibility and mismanagement of public funds.

Lula’s agenda prioritizes the strengthening of Brazil’s defense capabilities, underscoring that “no sovereign international projection exists without defense capability.” The program proposes significant investments in the Armed Forces and the national defense industry to ensure security and autonomy. It also advocates for the creation of a Ministry of Public Security, which would separate the Federal Police from the Justice Ministry to better combat organized crime and corruption. Measures include the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Plan and actions against criminal organizations responsible for losses estimated at R$35.8 billion.

Economically, Lula’s government aims to maintain fiscal responsibility while challenging the parliamentary amendment system that diverts budget resources. The program calls for democratizing the public budget without abandoning the fiscal framework, and raises concerns about the current high basic interest rate, suggesting a need to reassess its economic impact.

Additionally, Lula highlights the importance of regulating social networks to protect democracy and encourages public debate on the role of amendments in budget allocation. The government program also addresses urban development, especially in favelas, and the enhancement of public services as part of a broader commitment to public safety and social progress.

This comprehensive program reflects Lula’s firm stance against foreign influence he perceives as detrimental to Brazil’s sovereignty, including the U.S. designation of Brazilian criminal groups as terrorist organizations, which his administration argues threaten national autonomy. His agenda sets a clear course toward enhancing Brazil’s defense, ensuring fiscal and economic prudence, and preserving democratic institutions.