Politics · Brazil · 2 hrs ago
Lula to propose using 25% of mandatory funds for free weekend transport
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to propose free weekend public transport in cities with public transit.
He intends to send a constitutional amendment to Congress on Wednesday, and the plan would use at least 25% of mandatory lawmakers’ budget funds.
For 2027, those funds total R$44.76 billion, which would mean R$11.2 billion set aside if Congress approves the amendment.
The proposal would not reduce the existing requirement that half of these funds go to health.
The government’s economic team backed the plan on condition that it does not add costs to public spending.
The amendment would set a minimum share, so lawmakers could allocate more, and would not spell out the policy’s details.
Congress must approve the amendment before the funding plan can take effect.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to propose directing at least 25% of mandatory congressional budget amendments to fund free weekend public transport in Brazilian cities.
The proposal would require a constitutional amendment and congressional approval.
The 2027 mandatory reserve for individual and caucus amendments totals R$44.76 billion, making the proposed share about R$11.2 billion.
The proposal would not change the existing requirement that 50% of mandatory amendments go to health actions.
Lula’s government says the plan is intended to avoid creating extra public spending.
- Who
- President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to propose the measure.
- What
- A constitutional amendment would direct at least 25% of mandatory congressional amendments to fund free weekend urban public transport.
- When
- Lula was expected to sign and send the proposal to Congress on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
- Where
- Brazil.
- Why
- The proposal aims to fund Lula’s campaign promise of free weekend transport without adding public spending.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lula promised free weekend public transport after the Senate approved ending the 6x1 work schedule.
Lula was expected to sign and send the constitutional amendment proposal to Congress.
- Proposed share
- At least 25% of mandatory individual and caucus amendments
- 2027 mandatory reserve
- R$44.76 billion
- Proposed funding amount
- About R$11.2 billion, if Congress approves the amendment
- Existing health allocation
- 50% of mandatory amendments, or R$22.38 billion in 2027
- Excluded funding
- Committee amendments, which are not mandatory
What people are saying
Now that the Senate has approved the end of the 6x1 work schedule and Brazilian workers will have two days off to enjoy leisure, visit family, go out and rest more, I will also send a constitutional amendment to the National Congress, guaranteeing free weekend travel in all cities in this country that have public transport.